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Affidavits ‘prove’ ANC abused public works jobs programme

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Dianne Kohler Barnard
Dianne Kohler Barnard

The Democratic Alliance’s Dianne Kohler Barnard held up 24 affidavits from KwaZulu-Natal in Parliament yesterday that she said provided proof that the ANC was abusing the expanded public works programme for its own ends.

The affidavits were signed by individuals who had been refused jobs by three ANC councillors from Illovo and uMlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, allegedly because they didn’t have ANC membership cards, Kohler Barnard said during the department’s budget vote debate.

Addressing the minister, Thulas Nxesi, she said it had taken her one phone call to get the affidavits, which were subsequently released to the media.

“These job opportunities should be available for all, not just ANC cadres,” she claimed, saying that she would lay charges against the councillors.

“Perhaps I will invite the Public Protector to take on one last case which shows all the signs of making Nkandla look like the theft of a child’s lunch money at school.”

Wrapping up the debate, Nxesi said that allegations of politically motivated recruitment extended elsewhere.

“There are stories of DA recruitment in the Western Cape. We can bring affidavits showing abuse too,” he said.

Kohler Barnard has been keeping a low profile in Parliament. She was disciplined by her party for sharing a Facebook post that praised apartheid-era PW Botha.

Initially expelled, she lodged a successful appeal against her sentence in December and was allowed back to Parliament on condition that she is not found guilty of any further transgressions. Her action on social media also cost her the prominent position of police shadow minister.

In January, the ANC laid charges against Kohler Barnard in the Equality Court, arguing that she should pay R500 000 towards an organisation that promotes non-racialism.

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