Former Western Cape leader of the Independent Democrats Lennit Max has been expelled from the party after being found guilty of contravening its code of conduct.
The expulsion was ordered by labour law expert Sarah Christie, who was appointed by the high court as an independent presiding officer over Max’s disciplinary hearing.
Max was accused of taping a conversation with an ID member about a visit to a ”smokkelhuis” [tavern] by ID leader Patricia de Lille, and changing ID employees’ contracts and closing offices without authorisation.
Last week he abandoned a high court bid to unseat Christie on the grounds of bias.
His lawyer, Leon van Rensburg, said on Monday: ”We are disappointed. I though Mr Max had a fairly strong case. We are taking instructions on a possible appeal.”
The ruling deals a blow to the Democratic Alliance’s hopes of a takeover in the Western Cape legislature in the coming floor-crossing window period.
It was widely rumoured that Max intended defecting to the DA and taking the ID seat which he still occupies, with him. – Sapa