DA KZN head 'faces ousting amid schisms'

Durban - The DA is “suffering from deep-seated” divisions along racial lines which could see KwaZulu-Natal leader Zwakele Mncwango facing an ousting through a vote of no confidence.

Nobody in the DA would comment on the rumours of Mncwango’s fate, but none denied it either.

The rumours come hard on the heels of recent reports that DA chief whip John Steenhuisen could be reduced to a backbencher if the KZN caucus’s proposal that only MPs with a university degree be considered for the position was accepted.

If the proposal was accepted, Steenhuisen would be demoted after next year’s elections as he does not have a degree.

Sunday newspapers reported that the DA's parliamentary caucus had discussed the leaking of information about Steenhuisen’s lack of a post-matric qualification, and blamed Mncwango for the leak.

DA leaders, both provincially and nationally, would not confirm or deny the reports about Mncwango’s future as the provincial leader.

DA MPL Sharon Hoosen said she was not aware of moves to oust Mncwango. She said she was also not aware of any racial divisions within the party.

Yesterday, Mncwango denied that the provincial caucus had discussed “individuals” and also denied any knowledge of the parliamentary caucus plotting to oust him.

“John was never discussed in our caucus; we discussed policy. We received a document, with recommendations, from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.

"The document was for all provincial and national Parliament representatives and all political parties received the same. It is unfortunate that the issue has been personalised,” Mncwango said.

He said he would not comment further on the matter.

Political analyst Ralph Mathekga blamed factionalism within the DA for its woes.

He said the party has had factional problems and Mncwango’s appointment to his current position was mired in controversy.

“To some extent some leaders have been pushing factionalism in the party and now for some, the chickens have come home to roost. Strong power mongering and the desire to gain control rules the party,” Mathekga said.

Protas Madlala said the revelation of Steenhuisen’s lack of a tertiary qualification had shown the “deep seated divisions” within the party.

He questioned the timing of the revelation, given that Steenhuisen had been in the leadership position for some time and had done “a good job”.

“As for Mncwango facing a possible axing, he has been in the mix of things up to the time he was appointed. He at one stage faced possible disciplinary action for challenging his bosses when he commented that the party was not transformed, so it’s not surprising that he is facing a possible purge,” Madlala said.

Attempts to get a comment from Steenhuisen were unsuccessful.

DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi said: “I don’t respond to gossip.”

James Selfe, the party’s federal executive chairperson, said: “I cannot possibly comment on the discussions of any caucus.”

His deputy, Natasha Mazzone, said: “I do not talk out of confidential meetings.”

Daily News