DA's disingenuous attack on Mayor Taute exposed
The ANC has investigated various claims and has called in Mayor Chris Taute of Hessequa Municipality for an interview on the issue of his fundraising letter to certain businesses in his area.
The ANC wish to state upfront that it is preferable that donations to the party be solicited on party letterheads and that more circumspect wording is used when seeking monetary support for our democratic processes such as the upcoming municipal election campaign.
After comrade Taute were admonished and cautioned on these, the matter will be discussed in full by the ANC leadership and any possible internal disciplinary options will be considered at that level. All other concerns will also be addressed then.
Mayor Taute apologised for any unintended inconvenience or misunderstanding he could have caused.
The ANC concurs with our national secretary general Gwede Mantashe that the use of the letterhead was an oversight. It was indeed clearly marked as coming from the executive mayor - a political office.
"No intention of an illegal, dishonest or undue action could be detected as Mayor Taute openly and clearly stated he was canvassing (approaching) businesses for a donation to the ANC. No hidden contributions were sought, but the letter indicated that a (traceable) cheque could be made out to the ANC. There is no basis for the DA claims of an improper or unlawful action.
"The DA wants state institutions to go on a fishing expedition on its behalf, embark on a wild goose chase after vague allegations, unravelling the DA's conflation of issues and find something the DA thinks could be there. In short: The DA wants to abuse government institutions (it usually undermines and criticise) to engage in a political battle on its behalf.
"The ANC regards the DA actions as absurd and insincere. There are indications that the very same DA's public office bearers use government resources to request donations such as offices, state vehicles and telephones paid for by the taxpayers.
"Dr. Wilmot James, as a national leader of the DA who benefits abundantly by donations, should utilise his energy to pursue the matter within his own party with the same vigour. It would serve him well to immediately stop all private DA fundraising and bring a private member's legislative proposal to Parliament for consideration on how to deal with the funding of political parties in South Africa, starting with the scenario where only the state funds political work.
"The ANC acknowledges that there are many and varied challenges with regard to funding of political parties in order to do their work in the advancement of our democracy. This should be discussed and resolved in a responsible manner. The DA should however be measured by the standard it sets for other parties and not be allowed to engage in sour grape petty politicking for narrow minded gains," say the ANC.
Statement issued by Mandla Dlamini, ANC Western Cape, February 4 2011
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