Another DA leader has come under the spotlight over academic qualifications.
DA Chief Whip Natasha Mazzone has defended herself against allegations that she lied about having a law degree.
Following the suspension of Public Works and Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela for lying about having a degree, people questioned Mazzone’s credentials.
GOOD Party spokesperson Brett Herron raised questions following claims that Mazzone edited her Wikipedia page to remove the word “advocate” from her qualifications in her biography.
But according to Mazzone, her lack of a tertiary education has never been a secret and Herron was aware of it.
“I have always teased myself for being a matriculant,” she tweeted.
“It is very well-known that I only have a matric. I did do my articles, but I could never be admitted because I did not finish my degree.”
However, party insiders claim she has always called herself an advocate.
And according to media reports, the DA listed Mazzone as having legal qualifications when she was elected as the deputy federal council chairperson.
Meanwhile, the suspended Madikizela on Sunday clarified that he was still DA leader in the province, “but I decided that my deputy be in charge while I deal with this”.
Madikizela said he believes there are individuals within the party agitating “for his demise” each time he contests leadership positions.
Asked if he believes that the DA is racist and targets black leaders, he said: “There are jealous people, there are homophobes and there are racist people in the party.
“To brand the DA as racist would be wrong because I am part of it.”
Madikizela is expected to meet with the party’s federal council this week.
In 2018, DA leader John Steenhuisen was roasted on Twitter when it emerged he only had matric.