Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo will write to the Speaker of the Makhado Municipality, Lindiwe Betty Mogale, to refer EFF councillor Anthony Matumba to the Ethics Committee for violating the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

Cllr Matumba, who also serves on the Municipality’s Exco,  allegedly posed as @TracyZille, a woman who posted racially charged messages on Twitter.

It is further alleged that the furore created by these tweets was used to funnel users to at least three of Councillor Matumba’s income generating websites.

The Twitter handle emerged in early June 2020 and last week the bogus @TracyZille already had 31 000 followers on Twitter.

The deplorable tweets sparked outrage and fueled racial divisions. This action is not only unconstitutional, but is also against the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

This Code of Conduct contained in the Municipal Systems Act, 2002 is clear that Councillors must at all times act transparently and in good faith in order not to damage the credibility and integrity of the Municipality he/she serves. Councillor Mutamba tarnished the Municipality’s integrity by involving himself in inciting racial tension.

Last week the DA laid charges against Councillor Matumba at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for inciting racial tensions.

The DA will also request that Councillor Matumba is suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of the SAHRC’s investigation.

The DA believes that to incite racial tension, especially during a time of national crisis is deplorable and we trust that Speaker Mogale will uphold The Constitution and the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and act against councilor Matumba in the strongest possible manner.

Issued by The DA