A public dispute has erupted over allegations of employee intimidation following a mayoral debate in Shakaskraal last week.

Umhlali-based National Debt Counsellors (NDC) chief executive officer Snow Cogan accused uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) mayoral candidate Doeshiee Govender and members of his family of intimidating employees who attended the debate.

Govender denied the allegations, countering that NDC had allegedly offered employees paid time off to attend Democratic Alliance (DA) political events. The debate between Govender and DA mayoral candidate Privi Makhan attracted more than 1 000 residents.

Cogan alleged that employees, particularly young women, faced intimidation and personal attacks before, during and after the event.

An apparently AI-generated poster circulated on social media following the debate NDC employees depicting NDC employees alongside a coffin and gravestone bearing the words “NDC Pallbearers Buried Themselves Today”, superimposed on a photograph of people attending the debate.

Another Facebook post by Ashlaine Govender, Doeshiee’s son and an MKP ward councillor candidate in Shakaskraal, accused the DA of having “captured” NDC.

It included photographs of employees and a video featuring an NDC-branded vehicle.

Govender did not dispute that his son had shared the image and video, maintaining that the information was accurate.

“Snow has now forced NDC employees to act as political stewards. Many staff members are unhappy about this, but unfortunately, they are afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs. The owner of NDC is playing politics by supporting the DA and using Indian and black employees, as a buffer. He needs to familiarise himself with employment laws and workers’ rights,” said Govender.

Cogan also alleged that employees received threatening messages and were subjected to verbal attacks.
“They should be able to participate in public meetings and form their own views without intimidation or personal abuse,” said Cogan.

Govender challenged NDC to produce evidence of intimidation.
“I categorically reject the allegations that I or members of my family engaged in personal attacks and intimidation against NDC employees,” he said.

He alleged that employees who declined the offer of paid time off to attend DA events risked unfavourable treatment. He also claimed employees were encouraged to disrupt the debate.

Govender said the MKP planned to request investigations by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and Department of Employment and Labour, and would consider referring labour disputes to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

Cogan denied the counter-allegations.
“Attendance was entirely voluntary, and those who chose not to attend continued with their normal duties without adverse consequences. No employees were instructed to disrupt proceedings or overcrowd the venue,” he said.
Cogan said complaints had been submitted to the IEC and police had been notified.