The DA has come to the defence of leader Mmusi Maimane after reports that he was using a car paid for by former Steinhof CEO Markus Jooste.
Rapport reported on Sunday that Maimane had refused to return the car, despite colleagues warning him about
reputational damage to both him and the party.
In an interview, DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi, confirmed: “The vehicle was for the
purposes of campaigning in the Western Cape and for the use of the leader in the execution of his duties,” he said, adding that Maimane needed mobility in the province since his constituency is in
Gauteng.
“It was not for
donation to an individual of Mmusi Maimane, but to the DA. Once the revelation regarding
Steinhof came to the fore, the party at leadership level had a discussion and resolved [that] in light of the revelations it would be appropriate to return the car.”
Maimane took to social media to dismiss the report.
“The smear campaign continues. These are gutless individuals who will not be named and instead spread lies about me and my family,” he said.
“I have always sought to build a South Africa for All. I remain committed to that vision, regardless of how uncomfortable it may make others feel.”
The smear campaign continues. These are gutless individuals who will not be named and instead spread lies about me and my family.
I have always sought to build a South Africa for All.
I remain committed to that vision, regardless of how uncomfortable it may make others feel.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) September 29, 2019
The story comes two weeks after reports alleged that Maimane declared in a parliamentary register, that he owned a Claremont home, which later turned out to belong to Durban businessman Wessel Jacobs.