DA's Gana defends decision to axe Kohler Barnard

06 November 2015 - 10:28 By Genevieve Quintal, News24
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Magashule Gana. File photo.
Magashule Gana. File photo.
Image: Simon Mathebula

Democratic Alliance MP Makashule Gana is prepared to defend the party's decision to expel Dianne Kohler Barnard.

Speaking to News24, Gana said as a former deputy federal chairperson of the DA he knew how it worked and did not question its credibility and integrity.

"Cases get discussed thoroughly... I cannot now because I'm not there. I doubt that Fed Ex has not applied its mind on this matter.

"As a disciplined member of this organisation I support the decision taken by the federal executive, especially this one led by Mmusi Maimane. I have nothing in front of me saying I must doubt their credibility and integrity."

The termination of Kohler Barnard's membership was announced following a federal executive meeting on Friday night.

This was after she shared a Facebook post from journalist Paul Kirk, praising former apartheid president PW Botha. Kohler Barnard said she did not read the post fully before sharing it.

The section that landed her in hot water said: "Please come back PW Botha - you were far more honest than any of these [African National Congress] rogues, and you provided a far better service to the public."

Guilty plea

In September, she pleaded guilty to misconduct, bringing the party into disrepute and not abiding by the party's social media policy.

The DA's federal legal commission chairperson Glynnis Breytenbach confirmed on Wednesday that Kohler Barnard had lodged a notice of intention to appeal her expulsion. The formal appeal would come once the Federal Executive furnished her with official reasons for her expulsion.

Afrikaans weekly Rapport, reported that Maimane pleaded with the Federal Executive to allow Kohler Barnard to stay in the party.

Gana said he did not know what happened when the Federal Executive met. However, in the end Maimane was the leader and had to lead the process.

"He leads Fed Ex and Fed Ex took the decision. Who did what, who said what doesn't matter. Why would people want to separate Mmusi from the decision?" he asked.

"Once a decision is made you are the leader of that thing, you must lead the process."

Source: News24

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