DA suspicious after Maimane, Steinhoff link revealed
The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes there is malicious intent behind revelations of party leader Mmusi Maimane’s use of a Steinhoff-sponsored SUV.
Rapport newspaper revealed over the weekend that the car was given to the party ahead of the 2016 local government elections by Markus Jooste, the controversial former CEO of Steinhoff.
The paper also claimed the car was only returned by Maimane long after the extent of the financial losses at Steinhoff became clear.
Investments worth billions were lost when the company faced allegations of insider trading and accounting fraud, causing its share price to drop. Jooste resigned after irregularities at the company were flagged.
Maimane subsequently took to Twitter, labelling the claims as a smear campaign.
The smear campaign continues. These are gutless individuals who will not be named and instead spread lies about me and my family.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) September 29, 2019
I have always sought to build a South Africa for All.
I remain committed to that vision, regardless of how uncomfortable it may make others feel.
DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi says the car was a donation given to the party to assist with it election campaign.
He says the information presented by the newspaper is inaccurate.
"It is clear that people are presenting information that is inaccurate. It raises suspicions about the malicious intent for the use of the information."