DA insiders see red over party credit card abuse clearance of John Steenhuisen
DA leader John Steenhuisen's clearance of allegations that he misappropriated funds by using a party credit card for personal expenses has paved the way for his re-election as party leader, leaving many party members fuming.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers / IOL Graphics
Several DA party insiders are fuming over the party's decision to clear its leader, John Steenhuisen, of any wrongdoing over the misuse of the party's credit card.
“The money in the DA account comes from tithes that public reps pay every month from their salaries – this worries me because there are public reps in rural areas who earn very little compared to those in the metros,” one insider told IOL, citing fears and threats if they spoke out publicly.
“It's unacceptable that their money was used by someone who earns an enormous amount of money – millions per year. How dare he use his DA credit card to pay for his personal stuff and get away with this? It's a cover-up by the Federal Legal Commission aimed at clearing the way forward for John to win a second term as party leader,” the insider added.
Steenhuisen was referred to the party's Federal Legal Commission (FLC) after using the party's credit card for personal use – ostensibly to pay for food delivery. The FLC concluded the payments were reimbursed to the party and cleared Steenhuisen of any misappropriation of funds.
However, public reaction to the findings has been largely critical, with many questioning how the party could investigate itself rather than appoint an external body.
The FLC investigation into Steenhuisen's use of the party's credit card was prompted by allegations from former DA minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Dion George, who was fired from that post by Steenhuisen last year. George, the DA's Finance chair, hit back, publicly claiming he had taken away Steenhuisen's party credit card after discovering Steenhuisen had used the card for personal family expenses.
Both he and Steenhuisen now face party disciplinary hearings to determine if they brought the party into disrepute over their public spat. Allegations around George's removal as DA minister are also under investigation by the Public Protector.
While support for Steenhuisen and George remain divided within the party, there is anger over what many see as a cover-up by the party.
"It's clear. John did spend the money for his own use. This alone is enough to have any other public rep get suspended, but John was allowed the opportunity to continue functioning as normal," another insider told IOL.
"On the FW De Klerk Foundation's score sheet, Dion George ranked 4th, with a score of 76; John Steenhuisen ranked 18th, with a score of 60. Yet George was fired, apparently for not performing. Looking at their scores, it's obvious to see who is the person who is actually NOT performing, and with John having such a low score, what gives him the right to score or assess Dion's work? And now he is cleared when there is enough evidence that he abused a party card!"
For others, Steenhuisen should now be left to get on with his job and the matter laid to rest as the party gears up for its leadership conference in April.
"The fact is the party has grown since Steenhuisen took over as leader. We are stronger and more diverse as a party. Our membership reflects that and this is all under Steenhuisen's leadership," said an insider close to Steenhuisen.
But, despite its best efforts to spin a united party image, the squeaky clean image of the DA is unravelling, following George's axing. It's led to a party, usually protective of its dirty laundry, airing it all publicly, as the battle heats up for control of the party.
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