Hofmeyr mother suspended for dinner

United Independent Movement youth leader Devon Hofmeyr is yet to tell his side of the story after being suspended for attending an opposition party’s gala dinner last weekend.

On Sunday, Hofmeyr was suspended from all activities and positions in the party until the investigation into allegations of a violation of the constitutional code of conduct was completed.

Hofmeyr and his girlfriend attended the MK gala dinner

Pictures circulated on social media of Hofmeyr and his girlfriend Nikita Joubert attending the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) gala dinner as guests of diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg.

Hofmeyr declined to comment, saying it was a case of “I told you so.”

Liebenberg launched his political campaign as an independent candidate in Johannesburg last month and announced he would run in Gauteng and the Free State.

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In recent years, Liebenberg and MK leader, former President Jacob Zuma, have been seen walking hand in hand. Liebenberg has reportedly contributed to various Zuma and MK court cases.

Not a calculated move

The political scientist Dr. Benjamin Rapanyane said that a youth leader attending another party’s gala dinner as a guest of another party was not a calculated move.

“A political party cannot behave in a way that restricts people’s freedom of movement in our free democratic system,” he said.

Rapanyane said this was a big mistake and did not reflect well on the internal leadership of the party itself.

Ideological wrangling

Political scientist Piet Croucamp said right-wing politics is an ideological tussle.

ALSO READ: UIM suspends Devon Hofmeyr after he attended the MK Gala

“Liebenberg and Hofmeyr with their right-wing interests and the Bittereinders – it is difficult to understand how they position themselves ideologically … They show popular ideals. It is a struggle and it is difficult to maintain this position.”