ANC defector returns as EFF MPL

FORMER ANC Youth League (ANCYL) firebrand Shadrack Tlhaole will be returning to the Northern Cape as an EFF Member of the Provincial Legislature, following the suspension of former EFF provincial secretary George Nyakama’s party membership.

Former EFF treasurer Dirk Andrews’ membership has also been suspended for four years, while two EFF councillors have been expelled from the party.

Nyakama spoke on social media about being subjected to ill-treatment.

“The oppression that I have experienced in the EFF was too much for a young leader like me. It’s a one-man party. Julius (Malema) and Floyd (Shivambu) are running the EFF like a tuck shop,” said Nyakama.

EFF provincial leader Aubrey Baartman indicated that Tlhaole would be sworn in as an MPL next week, while the national office will replace him in Parliament as it was not a provincial position.

“We hand-picked Tlhaole to return to the Northern Cape and the national deployment committee agreed with the decision of the Province. It is not a demotion as he will receive the same salary,” said Baartman.

“Tlhaole might appear to have been quiet in Parliament but he has been working behind the scenes. He will strengthen the party in the Province.”

Baartman declined to comment on whether ANC NCOP member and former ANCYL provincial secretary Dikgang Stock would also join the ranks of the EFF or whether the party had entered into any discussions with him.

Baartman stated that Nyakama and Andrews had been found guilty by the national disciplinary committee of misappropriating party funds.

“They were unable to properly account for funds to the value of R82 000. We must act upon negligence and not only pay lip service to enforcing discipline in the party.

“The unaccounted for funds resulted in the legislature not receiving a clean audit. We view the offences in a serious light.”

He stated that the the party memberships of Nyakama and Andrews had been suspended for four years.

“They can apply to have their membership reinstated after four years, provided that they have a clean record of good behaviour.

“If they behave they will be allowed to apply for membership at an earlier date. For now their positions have been replaced.”

Baartman explained that while Andrews had accepted the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, they would meet Nyakama in court as he was challenging his arbitration award.

“It is nonsense that anyone who is outspoken is being removed from the party. The members were found guilty of misappropriating party funds. We believe that Nyakama was subjected to a fair hearing and we will defend the process. “

He stated that it was a fallacy that EFF commander in chief Julius Malema ruled with an iron fist.

“He always allows members to speak their minds and seeks the input of members at all times.”

Baartman added that Ronald Adams from Kamiesberg Municipality will be replaced with Hendrik Steenkamp, while Elrico Ross would replace Johannes Mei at Dawid Kruiper Municipality, by the end of next week.

“The councillors have not been paying their party levies, are not involved in organisation work, have failed to honour their duties and have not been performing.”

Baartman indicated that the EFF councillors had been found guilty in absentia as they had not attended their disciplinary hearings in the Province.

“They have been expelled and are free to join any other party they choose. They are all proportional representative councillors so it will not be necessary to go to a by-election.”