DA accused of using state resources amid internal strife

THE DAs ongoing internal battles have exposed the party's double standards, in which it has been accusing the ANC of using state resources in exchange for political support.

- MANYANE MANYANE & THAMI MAGUBANE

These are the views of a political analyst, Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast, who said the party’s senior leaders are also using state machinery in their factional battles ahead of its elective conference next year.

This follows tensions between senior leaders escalating to the point of a formal complaint being filed with the Public Protector’s office.

This is after Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, lodged a complaint against his DA predecessor, Dr Dion George, alleging the misuse of state resources for a political smear operation. He is requesting an investigation into the alleged misuse of state resources by his immediate predecessor and his former staff.

Aucamp alleges the probe began when he assumed office and became aware of a baseless investigation into his private business affairs. This investigation, he claims, falsely sought to associate him with the lion breeding industry — an industry with which he states he has no connection. And he says it may have been politically motivated.