This follows reports that her bosses at Democratic Alliance demand a full explanation for defying party’s orders, and on what led to her addressing the memorial in the presence of other political parties.
As things stand De Lille has nothing to lose and DA will just have to live with that; after the motion of no confidence to keep her out of power was overturned, thanks to opposition parties.
In her defence EFF’s deputy president Floyd Shivambu tweeted: “This is evidently [a] witch hunt by the lily white liberals.”
“Free State DA provincial leader Patricia Komape and DA members in the Free State were at the memorial service as well. Patricia worked with Mama Winnie and it’s within her right to pay tribute in an appropriate platform‚” he added.
“I am not prepared to do an interview … we must show respect for Mama Winnie‚ that’s why I went to pay tribute to her as a friend‚” De Lille was quoted.
She said she would show respect to Madikizela-Mandela because she knew her as a mother and a friend.
Gatvol DA chairperson of the federal council‚ James Selfe‚ says de Lille would have to explain herself.
He said De Lille had not informed the DA that she was going to be attending an EFF memorial for Madikizela-Mandela‚ instead of the official state event which was held in Orlando Stadium in Soweto on the same day.
“There are occasions when politicians of one party address rallies of another party. I mean [DA leader Mmusi Maimane] has done so. But we will require from her some explanation about why she didn’t tell us‚” said Selfe.
He said the party’s action would depend “under what guise she did that [not telling the party]”.
De Lille is facing a party disciplinary hearing that has been adjourned on numerous occasions.
As things stand DA should be prepared to lose her (that’s what they want after-all), either as EFF or ANC member it matters not.
Legend has it- the writing is on the wall…
