FF-Plus accuses DA of spreading false claims in Centurion by-election

The Freedom Front Plus (FF-Plus) in Greater Pretoria has accused the DA in Tshwane of spreading false claims that an FF-Plus win in Centurion's ward 57 would benefit the ANC, saying it is a bid to manipulate voters ahead of Wednesday's by-election.

FF Plus councillor Grandi Theunissen has lodged a formal complaint with the Municipal Party Liaison Committee (MPLC) against DA representatives, citing possible breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct. 

He said the DA made allegations during campaigning for the ward 57 by-election, covering areas like Lyttelton and Kloofsig.

Theunissen said the party’s complaint is based on concrete evidence and testimony from residents, alleging the DA spread “rumours that if the Freedom Front Plus candidate, Wesley Jacobs, wins the election, it would in effect mean the ANC wins”.

“This is a deliberate lie and scare tactic; it has no place in a democratic election. The Freedom Front Plus considers this underhanded tactic as evidence that the DA has nothing to offer in response to Jacobs' proven record of service and integrity. Over the past five years, Jacobs has worked tirelessly as a councillor serving the community and delivered tangible results – something that cannot be erased with lies and intimidation techniques,” he said.

He urged voters to ignore "manipulation attempts" and support his party candidate, who is ready to serve ward 57 "day and night".

“The Freedom Front Plus will not allow unethical behaviour to undermine the democratic process and will escalate the matter to the IEC if necessary,” he said.

DA Gauteng North regional chairperson Crezane Bosch said the party has not received any formal complaint or details of allegations from the MPLC regarding claims made during the ward 57 campaign.

She said the DA is, therefore, not in a position to meaningfully respond to claims for which there is no factual basis or documentation shared with her party.

“The DA rejects any suggestion that it has acted unlawfully or in breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct. Our campaign in Ward 57 has been conducted in line with the law and accepted democratic practice. All campaign material and messaging used by the DA is lawful and forms part of the public domain, as is standard in an open and competitive election,” Bosch said.

She added that if a formal complaint is served the party “will consider it carefully and respond through the appropriate channels in due course”.

Jack Page, the DA's candidate, said his experience as a businessman and community passion make him the right fit for the job.

“I am really excited to be the voice in council to fight for your services. I grew up in this community and I have always gone the extra mile to volunteer and serve in any possible way and I understand my fellow residents that you are our customers and you deserve the best possible service,” he said.

Elias Mokoatedi, the ANC's young candidate for ward 57, is set to challenge the DA in their stronghold, with the party campaigning hard in the area ahead of Wednesday's by-election.

ANC regional secretary George Matjila described Mokoatedi as a young person who can outperform the DA's track record in the area.

“We are told there are serious challenges here of sinkholes, collections of waste, potholes and streetlights that are not functional. The young man is very energetic and very prepared to ensure that within a very short space of time,” Matjila said.

He expressed confidence that Mokoatedi will address the service delivery challenges that people are having before the coming local government elections.

“We are definitely sure that we are going to make it because we don’t contest elections in order to lose,” Matjila said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za