Mpumalanga EFF leader Collen Sedibe has come out in defence of his personal wealth after faceless detractors alleged on social media that he owns a fleet of cars worth over R10-million while earning a legislature salary.
The individual or group accused Sedibe of living in a multimillion-rand estate in Mbombela and owning a R6-million Mercedes G63 Brabus, a R2-million Range Rover, and a R2-million Mercedes Viano.
Taking to his Facebook page this weekend, Sedibe did not bother to deny the claims, instead insisting his wealth came from hard work.
“How do you link owning cars and properties with corruption? Akazi kuthi kuyasetjenzwa langaphandle [Doesn’t he know people work hard out here?]” he asked.
His critics accused him of using blackmail to gain control over the provincial education department.
They claimed he was attacking education MEC Cathy Dlamini to force her into giving his friends tenders.
“Knowing that he can never govern government through a popular and democratic vote, this thorny red hand seeks to grab tenders by blackmailing and extorting elected members of government,” the anonymous post claimed.
“Sedibe lives a life of opulence through money stolen from the government. [He] makes millions through school feeding tenders and construction projects at [the department of] public works.
“We must not forget the millions he makes from security companies that also provide him with full-time bodyguards.”
Sedibe dares critics to take action
The post also took aim at his friendships with multimillionaires doing business with the same department he has been accusing of corruption.
“Sedibe has been blackmailing his way into Gucci stores while members of the ANC and its allies are starved of opportunities and living off food parcels.
“This part-time revolutionary has blackmailed compromised ANC leaders into financing the decampaigning of the ANC.
“The loss of power and votes is engineered using money extorted from the ANC government,” said the post.
While Sedibe poured cold water over the claims that he was corrupt, he did not deny having connections.
“Which law says public representatives like Honourable Collen Sedibe have no right to have friends that are in business?” he asked.
“Which law stipulates that the companies mentioned have no rights or are barred from doing business with the government?”
Refusing to be cornered into denial, Sedibe dared his critics to take action.
“Report any corruption you know about me to the relevant authorities … I will continue to fight corruption without fear.”
Over the past year, Sedibe has been locked in a fierce battle with Dlamini, whom he accuses of benefitting from an alleged friendship with a contractor tied to the department.
Premier put on the spot
He also dragged Premier Mandla Ndlovu into the political storm, suggesting the contractor may have influenced Dlamini’s appointment.
During a question-and-answer session in the provincial legislature in March, Sedibe put Ndlovu on the spot.
“Are you aware, Honourable premier, that this businessman claims to have funded Miss Dlamini’s campaign?” he asked.
“He’s saying he negotiated with you to have her appointed as MEC.”
The chamber gasped, but Ndlovu stood firm. “I am not aware. If that is what he is saying, he is lying and believes his own lies,” the premier said.
“There are processes in the ANC. No one influenced me to appoint Miss Dlamini.”
He reminded the house that appointing MECs is his exclusive prerogative.
