Trollip ‘abuse’ whistleblower sticks to his guns

04 March 2016 - 10:48 By Simthandile Ford

A suspended Democratic Alliance councillor accused of “orchestrating” the downfall of Eastern Cape party leader Athol Trollip said he did not regret exposing allegations of racism.The City Press reported that Trollip and his family had been accused of human rights abuses‚ hate speech and unfair labour practices at their Mount Prospect Farm near Bedford by four farm workers.They have since registered a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).Knight Mali‚ a DA councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro who assisted the workers‚ has been charged for bringing the party into disrepute and harming the interests of the party.Speaking to the Daily Dispatch‚ Mali said he had advised the workers to report the cases to the commission after they approached him for help.He wanted to get justice for the workers and was not driven by malice.“I will assist them until they get justice and are compensated for being victims under the Trollips‚” he said.SAHRC spokesman Isaac Mangena on Thursday confirmed a complaint had been laid against the Trollips last Wednesday.He said the commission received a series of affidavits alleging hate speech‚ racism and unfair labour practices.Trollip on Thursday was adamant Mali had orchestrated everything and that his political rivals were behind the plot.He said he had not received charges from the commission and only came to hear of them from the media.Trollip also instituted legal action against ANC councillor Lawrence Troon for defamation.“Having sold my family farm in 2005‚ the timing of these false allegations is suspicious‚ months prior to an election‚” said Trollip.But Mali defended his actions‚ saying he was concerned by incidents of racial intolerance and discrimination within the DA.“The only thing that the DA should do is to hold its members accountable when it comes to racism and human rights violations and stop persecuting me‚” said Mali.DA provincial disciplinary committee chairman Kevin Mileham confirmed on Thursday that the party would institute disciplinary proceedings against Mali.The charges follow a high court ruling in Mali’s favour last week‚ instructing the DA to reinstate him as party member.Mileham said the high court order only instructed the DA to reinstate Mali and did not say anything about the DA assisting him to return to council. – TMG Digital/Daily Dispatch..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.