Opposition throws shade as DA senior defects to ANC
After serving as a DA councillor for 12 years, Zuko Mandile has left and joined the ANC, citing racial imbalances in the opposition party’s demographics.
However, the UDM’s Mthuthuzeli Hokolo said he was waiting to see if there was “some incentive” for Mandile to join the ANC“.
The DA’s Robbie Venske texted Mandile a Bible verse which states: “A dog returns to its own vomit”, and speaks about “a sow returning to wallowing in the mire” which outraged Mandile, who accused Venske of racism.
Mandile previously served as the DA’s Chris Hani constituency and Enoch Mgijima constituency chair.
The news of his defection went viral on social media when a photo surfaced of Mandile wearing ANC regalia with ANC’s Roger Xalisa at the party’s recent Chris Hani Mayihlome rally in Ngcobo.
In an interview with The Rep, Mandile explained his decision to leave the DA: “I don’t believe that the DA is ready to govern SA, because they don’t acknowledge the country’s racial demographics.
He said the ANC was the better alternative and had the best mandate in serving the people.
“The ANC is a governing party which understands government. It can improve and is the party that is here to serve the people. I acknowledge that the ANC has its flaws, but we can’t ignore the fact that it is the liberation movement.”
He criticised Venske, who had texted him a Bible verse from 2 Peter 2:22, which states: “But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to its own vomit, and a sow, having washed, returns to wallowing in the mire.”
“This message was offensive and the person who sent it is a councillor within the DA who is still a racist. Despite the fact that the world court deemed racism and apartheid to be crimes against humanity, the DA still has people like that within its ranks. I cannot be associated with a party that still has people like that.”
Venske denied that he meant any racial offense with the Bible verse, saying he and Mandile had been friends for many years.
He said that he would be reaching out to Mandile to clear up the matter.
When asked about what he would bring to the ANC, Mandile recited his track record with the DA. He said that his experience and reputation would be an asset to the ANC.
He expressed confidence that the ANC would benefit from having someone like him in its ranks.
“I have proven leadership skills in that I have been a councillor of the DA in a leadership position for the past 12 years.
“To be clear, I was never fired by the DA. I have proven leadership skills and have served as a DA councillor and held leadership positions for the past 12 years.”
Hokolo said: “I was surprised to hear that Mandile had joined the ANC especially since the ANC has been losing members.”