DA MP Karabo Khakhau is challenging a decision that prevented her from contesting the deputy Federal Council chair role.
Image: DA via X
Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau has appealed a party decision barring her from contesting the position of deputy chairperson of its Federal Council.
The decision stemmed from an outstanding amount — referred to as a "tithe" — that party officials are required to pay to the DA.
In a statement to the media, Khakhau strongly refuted the claim, insisting she had paid the amount in full and owed the party nothing. Despite this, she was forced to withdraw from the race after the party refused to issue her a letter of good financial standing, a prerequisite for the position.
"Yes, I am not happy, but cannot comment beyond the statement issued," she told IOL.
When pressed on whether she was considering leaving the party or appealing the decision, she replied: "No, I will not quit. I don't give up that easily. I have appealed the decision and will await the response from the party."
However, senior sources within the DA expressed outrage, accusing the party of applying double standards.
"What absolute bullshit. Yet again, they pick and choose how they apply rules based on who you are. John Steenhuisen failed to pay his contributions previously for months, and nothing was done. No action was taken. He abused the party credit card and is handled with kid gloves. Karabo is a hard worker and deserves a shot at the position. She paid her contributions and is being treated unfairly," one source told IOL.
Another insider called on the party to "do the right thing" and reverse the decision.
"The DA's Federal Executive Committee (FedEx) is the highest decision-making body of the party. Karabo's appeal to the party's Federal Legal Commission (FLC), even if successful, cannot override the decision by FedEx. This is an injustice and smacks of the party's usual double standards," the source added.
Former DA minister and party federal finance chair Dion George also weighed in via a post on social media:
"The DA has a very clear credit control policy. If a public representative contribution is not paid within seven days after it is due, action is taken. If Karabo missed a payment, she should have received a letter. If she didn't, that process failed her — double standard indeed!"
Khakhau maintains she received the letter for the outstanding payment in October 2025 and settled the amount within 24 hours.
The party has defended its decision, stating that Khakhau failed to meet the requirements to contest the position.
Khakhau's fury at being forced out of the race has fuelled speculation about her future in the DA and whether she might eventually leave.
Several prominent Black leaders have departed the party in recent years amid internal racial tensions and disagreements over political direction, including former leader Mmusi Maimane, Mbali Ntuli, and Herman Mashaba.
IOL News