The EFF believes that the provincial leader Aubrey Baartman is under attack, in the run up to the local government elections, that are scheduled to take place on October 27.
THE EFF believes that the provincial leader Aubrey Baartman is under attack, in the run up to the local government elections, that are scheduled to take place on October 27.
EFF provincial leader Nevie Aubrey Baartman, 62, appeared alongside two company directors in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court last week on charges of R79,9 million fraud.
Baartman appeared in his capacity as the former municipal manager of the Nama Khoi Municipality while his co-accused Maralise Lunnette Cloete, 38 and Zihaadt Ismial Cloete, 41 were the directors of a construction company that was selected as a successful bidder by the Nama Khoi municipality in Springbok in 2013.
It is alleged that the tender was awarded to the construction company for paving stones and curbs over a period of three years where procurement processes were allegedly flouted.
EFF provincial spokesperson Obakeng Lechuti questioned the timing of the charges that date back to 2013.
“Why are the charges only surfacing now? It appears as if there are attempts to cast aspersions on the reputation of the party.”
He indicated that they had referred the matter to the national leadership.
“At this point we do not have any comments. We are ready to contest the elections at any time, even if it is held tomorrow. We are ready to take over Ga Segonyana, Gamagara and Joe Morolong municipalities.”
The EFF national spokesperson did not respond to media enquiries regarding whether Baartman would be suspended, what the party’s policy was regulating members and leaders facing criminal charges and if he would be eligible to stand for re-election if he has been charged.
Lechuti stated that the Frances Baard and John Taolo Gaetswe districts had successfully completed their regional people’s assembly to elect the regional leadership.
“Pixley ka Seme and John Taolo Gaetsewe districts will convene this weekend. A date has yet to be set for the Namakwa district.”
He indicated that the provincial leadership would be elected next year.
“The EFF wanted the local government elections to be postponed due to the lockdown restrictions that limit campaigning and door to door visits, where gatherings and political rallies cannot be held. If the Independent Electoral Commission does not postpone the local government elections, we will disregard the lockdown restrictions.”
Frances Baard regional command team
Chairperson: Vusi Raphoto
Deputy chairperson: Thabonyana Van Wyk
Secretary: Pontsho Mocwana
Deputy secretary: Keolebogile Mekhoa
Treasurer: Patric Thobi
Additional members
1. Masinka Maribe
2. Bonolo Lekhu
3. Keitumetse Matlhati
4. Mdeni Langa
5. Khotso Mochane
6. Greg Jammer
7. Jeanette Steyn
8. Debbie Appoles
9. Yusuf Desai
10. Thandeka Landella
11. Poelo Nathane
12. Tshepo Khonkhobe
13. Kgomotso Mapatsi
14. Lindiwe Dastile
15. Seneo Mecwi
16. Keitumetse Mokgoro – Hlalele
* to host the ZF and Pixley region this coming weekend
John Taolo Gaetsewe regional command team
Chairperson: Phenyo Ohentswe
Deputy chairperson: Tshwaroyaone Moilwe
Secretary: Jeffrey Letebele
Dept. Secretary: Gather Reetsang
Treasurer: Kebolelang Setlhodi
Additional Members
1. Onkageletse Mashuelele
2. Masedi Kgalaeng
3. Ntswaki Phutiyagae
4. Neo Namusi
5. Selena Lesley
6. Onkgomoditse Tlhaole
7. George Mokabati
8. Matshidiso Galeboe
9. Mpho Makoku
10. Jona Marumo
11. Onthusitse Etshesang
12. Goitseone Sekgopi
13. Gomolemo Itumeleng
14. Jerry Deleki
15. Lekgetho Sebogodi
16 Mpho Skeiman
