Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau has withdrawn from the party’s race for Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council due to a dispute over a missed tithe payment. The DA will hold its federal council leadership elections next month in Johannesburg, with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis being seen as the frontrunner to succeed party leader John Steenhuisen, who withdrew in February.
In a statement issued to the media on Saturday, Khakhau said she was forced to step aside after the party’s Free State and federal leadership refused to issue her a letter of good financial standing over a missed tithe, which she has since paid in full. According to the Democratic Alliance’s website, the party’s federal council is the highest decision-making body and is responsible for electing the party’s leadership.
Background on the Tithe Dispute
Khakhau explained that she had mistakenly missed a tithe payment in July last year, but had paid all her tithes from January to June and continued to pay her August and September tithes. On the 14th of October, a day before payday, the Free State Provincial Director issued her a letter of demand for the outstanding July tithe of R4,250. Khakhau paid R4,250 for the outstanding July tithe and her October tithe within 24 hours.
Despite having settled the outstanding payment, the DA’s Free State Provincial Executive Committee and the federal leadership upheld their decision not to grant her a letter of good financial standing. This decision has effectively disqualified Khakhau from running for the Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council position.
Implications of the Decision
Khakhau expressed her disappointment with the decision, stating that it was a deliberate push back against those who seek to abolish the existence of ancillary structures in the party. As a product of ancillaries, Khakhau believes that these structures hold significant value in cultivating leadership, generating ideas, and engaging with communities.
Some of the key points to note from this controversy include:
- The DA’s federal council leadership elections will take place next month in Johannesburg.
- Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is seen as the frontrunner to succeed party leader John Steenhuisen.
- Khakhau’s withdrawal from the race has sparked debate about the importance of ancillary structures within the party.
For more information on the DA’s structure and leadership, visit the Wikipedia page on the Democratic Alliance.
