Unpleasant tone in De Freitas letter

Having read very closely the letter concerning former Clr Bev Turk penned by Manny de Freitas in both Southern COURIER and Comaro CHRONICLE, I have to state that I am disgusted by the tone he has used.

It is not my intention to champion Bev Turk as I am not a supporter of her performance in the past, but her letter was in my opinion of an adult nature and could possibly be classed as of a gracious nature. Her choice of changing from DA to ANC is personal and at no time did she attempt to ‘throw stones’. We all have the right to choose which political party we prefer to follow, be it right or wrong in other people’s eyes.

Mr De Freitas however decided to attempt to cover himself in glory and take credit for Bev Turk’s switch to the ANC, for months now DA legal processes have been trying to get rid of her – ‘the Federal Legal Commission was going to declare that she contravened the DA codes and was to be expelled!’ What happened? Nothing! A perfect example of ‘I told you so’.

Mr De Freitas, actions speak louder than words. Where were the actions? Did it need the ANC to help you? If not why do you thank them?

I would like to state here that I am a paid-up member of the DA party, my family are also DA supporters, but as a result of your tirade in the local press we are all having doubts as to whether we should withhold our votes. Please do not respond by pointing out that not voting is a vote for the opposition, when casting a vote is based on the belief that you are clear in one’s conscience that it is for the right reasons; your attitude has created these doubts.

With the coming elections it is now time for positive and forward thinking and the necessity to communicate this to the electorate, not digging dirt. Bev Turk’s reneging to the ANC is not the base to be used for the electorate to decide who to vote for, there are much bigger considerations. Please apply your mind to this.

A resident from South

Response from Manny de Freitas

Thank you kindly for your letter. I am disappointed that you are ‘disgusted’ with the tone of the letter about Bev Turk’s defection to the ANC, but yet you say nothing of the fact that the community voted for her as a DA candidate and not her unilateral and unmandated move to the ANC.

Her move to the ANC is not a personal matter as she was a DA councillor voted in by the community. If the community wanted an ANC councillor they would’ve voted for one in the last local government elections.

Unlike the ANC, the DA follows careful and strict processes to ensure that no one is disadvantaged and that the rule of law if followed and respected. Her expulsion was eminent after almost a two year process. Bev Turk’s move to the ANC simply short-circuited her leave of the DA.

Finally, I completely agree that positive and forward thinking is required in these elections. If this is your attitude then we agree that issues such as the toll roads and Nkandla will clearly decide on how to vote.