‘Madikizela must come clean on gifts’

DA MP Lennit Max who is opposing Human Settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela, for the position of DA provincial leader next month, said Madikizela should answer questions pertaining to the gifts he apparently received at his birthday party.

Madikizela has accused Max of leaking information about his birthday party to the media, because he also attended it. Max denied that he was behind a smear campaign to discredit Madikizela.

“Mr Madikizela must remember that the cake is his; not mine and he is the ‘one and only’ person to answer the questions and not me.”Max said he was approached by various constituencies “all over the Western Cape to avail myself for provincial leader. As a result I am canvassing support”.

Madikizela is running for DA provincial leader. He said: “I heardMax was addressing delegates about going to stand.”

Former registrar of the Provincial Legislature, advocate Romeo Maasdorp, said one of the gifts Madikizela received at his party was a cake worth R3 000. All gifts above R1 500 should be declared. It is still unclear what other gifts Madikizela received. Maasdorp said Madikizela didn’t declare his gifts.

Madikela’s birthday party is being investigated by the public protector. The ANC alleged the birthday gifts were apparently given to Madikizela by donors who sponsored the party. Madikizela said he can’t recall gifts more than R1 500. “I had no way of knowing the price of the cake and who paid for it.”