Expelled Inkatha Freedom Party MPL Jabulani Maphalala should be reinstated as a full member of the party and the legislature, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ordered on Friday.
”The court granted an interim order until the full merits of the case can be heard on September 12,” Maphalala said.
He was expelled by the party before the floor-crossing period started this week after suspicions that he would join the newly formed National Democratic Convention.
Maphalala said he received a letter on August 30 indicating that the IFP was to hold a ”special” meeting the next day.
”In the letter, they made serious allegations that I wanted to cross to another party and that I had tried to entice other members as well.”
Maphalala said his lawyer sent an urgent letter to the IFP stating that he would not be able to attend due to poor health.
However, the next day he was expelled in his absence without having had a chance to discuss the allegations.
”South Africa is a wonderful country. There is a lot of suffering, but when it comes to the rule of law we are the best in the world,” said Maphalala.
After the court’s ruling on Friday, Maphalala said he has lots to celebrate.
”It’s nice to live in a country that’s not a banana republic; our rule of law should be emulated by other countries on the continent,” said the former professor of history.
Earlier this week, the National Democratic Convention said it had approached Maphalala to join its ranks, but ”he made no promises”.
On Friday, Maphalala said: ”I haven’t been approached by anyone so far. I haven’t approached anyone.”
He said he was on his way to the IFP’s annual general conference, which started in Ulundi on Friday.
”I’m on my way there, why must I be afraid? I’m going to shake hands with everyone else, have tea, why not?”
Maphalala said he has been a member of the party’s national council since 1977. Last year, he was its campaign manager and he is currently the acting provincial chairperson.
The IFP’s spokesperson, Musa Zondi, said he could not comment until he had read the judgement.
UDM loses finance spokesperson
Meanwhile, the United Democratic Movement lost its finance spokesperson on Friday when MP Martin Stephens crossed the floor to the Democratic Alliance.
He is the first UDM MP to defect since the 15-day window for MPs and MPLs to change parties without losing their seats opened on Thursday.
”We welcome him and his endorsement of the DA’s vision to build a real alternative to the ANC,” DA chief whip Douglas Gibson said.
”Mr Stephens brings with him a considerable wealth of financial and legal knowledge and experience. Back in the 1970s, he was the youngest MP in South Africa when he won the Johannesburg constituency of Florida from the National Party.
”Under the banner of the United Party, he represented the people of Florida between 1970 and 1974.”
Gibson said the DA is in discussion with a number of MPs and MPLs from other parties.
”We are only prepared to accept new MPs and MPLs who share our vision of a principled opposition force, which can present a real alternative to the ANC. Those who accept our principles, our vision for a better South Africa and our discipline are welcome; opportunists are not,” Gibson said. — Sapa