Inquiry delay could suggest DA plot

But Zille has rejected claims that she's attempting to hurt Steenhuisen's bid for third term

- Mandisa Nyathi

Senior Democratic Alliance leaders have urged the party's Federal Legal Commission (FLC) to speedily conclude an investigation into a leadership dispute before an elective federal congress due in April, saying failure to do so could be seen as a ploy to undermine leader John Steenhuisen’s bid for a third term.

At least three senior DA leaders, including provincial and federal council members, told the Mail & Guardian that there was unease within the party about the timing of the probe being perceived internally as a factional tactic to sideline or eliminate Steenhuisen from the race.

But DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille this week rejected claims that either she or any faction aligned to her was seeking to hurt Steenhuisen’s chances.

The FLC disciplinary inquiry centres on public accusations traded between the DA leader and federal finance chairperson Dion George, who was fired by President Cyril Ramaphosa as environment minister last year, at Steenhuisen’s request.

A statement from Zille on Monday said it would determine whether either or both Steenhuisen or George violated sections of the DA’s federal constitution, relating to bringing the party into disrepute, reflecting negatively on the party and undermining internal cooperation.

Zille said the DA’s Federal Executive Committee had requested the FLC to “pursue all the inquiries on an expedited basis, giving it priority over other pending matters”.

George quit the DA and resigned as an MP on Thursday, saying the situation had become “intolerable”.

A party leader, who spoke to the Mail & Guardian on condition of anonymity, said there was a fear that if the issue was not resolved quickly “it will be seen as a political manoeuvre rather than a disciplinary process”, with leadership nominations expected to open in the coming weeks. “That perception alone is damaging going into a leadership contest,” they said.