Phumzile Van Damme, a former DA MP, claims that DA leader John Steenhuisen is using racial polarization and fear to mobilize white voters. Photo by Gallo Images / Rapport / Deon Raath
Phumzile Van Damme, a former DA MP, claims that DA leader John Steenhuisen is using racial polarization and fear to mobilize white voters. Photo by Gallo Images / Rapport / Deon Raath
Shadow minister Phumzile Van Damme has revealed that she has only learned about the details of charges filed against her by the DA through the press. Taking to Twitter on Sunday morning, the MP vowed to fight against any allegations made towards her name by those within the senior structures of the opposition party.
Phumzile Van Damme on ‘DA charges’
As reported by the Sunday Times, At least seven prominent DA figures face either disciplinary charges or are under investigation – in what insiders say is part of a battle for the control of the party. Van Damme has since stated that no-one amongst the hierarchy of the DA has let her know why, exactly, she is being investigated.
“What a fascinating story in the Sunday Times today about the DA ‘purge’, wherein I for the first time find out the contents of the report I will be charged on. I’ve found almost all details about this saga in the press. Not Fedex nor FLC has had the decency to inform me first. We are led.”
Phumzile Van Damme
The politician has also questioned why this information has been leaked to the media, rather than shared with her directly. Phumzile Van Damme believes that the same tactics used to push Mmusi Maimane out of his role as leader last year are now being used again her. However, she won’t be going anywhere without a fight.
“A coincidence that this is continually leaked? One too many times to be a coincidence, I’d say. I mean, the same strategy of leaks was used to hound Mmusi out of the party. Leaks warfare. And I am supposed to do what in response to this? Turn the other cheek? Shrink? Leave?”
“I must roll over & accept my name being dragged through the mud? Haska. Don’t call me to apologize. The last time my name was dragged through the mud is the last time I accept an apology. You want this to play out in public? Sure, no problem, send me an email and we can tango.”
Phumzile Van Damme
I’m still here my brother. I have a job to do and I will do it. These other things are distractions but must be dealt with. The majority of my energy is focused on the work I do for SA. Khululeka ??❤️ https://t.co/gdWMpL5dKa
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) September 6, 2020
