By Kaya 959 News
The DA has been rocked by yet another allegation that one of their own has not been honest about his qualifications.
This time, Saldanha mayor Marius Koen, has been thrust into the spotlight after the EFF claimed that Koen had misrepresented his qualifications.
DA Federal Council, Helen Zille, has now referred the matter to the party’s federal legal commission.
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Koen’s bio
According to his biography on the DA’s website, Koen first got into politics as a businessman, working in retail and property.
“He is passionate about community and social upliftment so it didn’t take long before he became the chairperson of the Langebaan Tourism Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and Community Police Forum.
“After matriculating from Durbanville Secondary School, Marius got a BAdmin Degree in Public Administration and Industrial Psychology from Stellenbosch University. He also has an Estate Agency NQF 5 Qualification and an MBA,” the bio states.
EFF calls for Koen’s resignation
However, according to the EFF in the Western Cape, Koen is lying about his qualifications.
The party claims that he has yet to provide evidence of his qualifications.
The EFF slammed the DA for suspending MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela for lying about his qualifications.
“As much as we welcome Madikizela’s resignation, we also call on the resignation of the Mayor of Saldanha Marius Koen, who is alleged to have also lied about his qualifications.
“We are not surprised by the double standards and anti-black racist position that the DA has taken where it treats black leaders differently from how they treat their white counterparts,” the EFF’s Wandile Kasibe said.
However, Koen has since responded to the allegations. He provided proof of his qualifications in a video shared on Facebook.
Natasha Mazzone in the hot seat
Only a few days ago, DA chief whip Natasha Mazzone was in the hot seat after she was accused of lying about her qualifications.
The matter was brought to the fore by GOOD Party member, Brett Herron.
He requested clarification on Mazone’s background and qualifications.
DA Deputy Chairperson, Ashor Sarupen, then issued a statement outlining “five simple” facts about Mazzone’s qualifications.
He said Mazzone has stated publicly that she never completed her law degree and never claimed to be an attorney or advocate.
Sarupen further explained that Mazzone had completed her articles as well as LEAD legal training, completed her articles in terms of section 5(3) of the Attorneys Act and attended various workshops and courses over her 24 years of service to the party.
“Ms Mazzone’s biography provided by the DA on its website, throughout her two tenures as Deputy Federal Council Chairperson, never made any reference to legal qualifications,” he said.
Bonginkosi Madikizela resignation
DA Western Cape leader and MEC, Bonginkosi Madikizela, last month resigned after it was revealed that he lied about having a BCom degree.
The party’s Jaco Londt said the party “respected his decision and the honourable route he has taken by stepping down as leader.”
“We wish to thank Bonginkosi for his service as party leader since his election to the position of DA Leader in the Western Cape in 2018.
“Bonginkosi served as the leader for more than three years. Albert Fritz will remain the acting provincial leader until the Party elects an interim leader at the Provincial Council on 29 May 2021,” he said.
