By Jonk wa Mashamba
Editor-In-Chief
news@alexreporter.co.za
On what 105 councillor Tefo Raphadu called ‘Breaking News’, he furiously stated that he was not a member of the infamous Dudula Movement.
Raphadu, in a WhatsApp group, claimed that a video was circulating and linked him to Dudula.
“Those faceless people that have made this video of me are cowards. Those that seek to link me to dudula are mischievous.
“Their progadanga will not succeed or see the light of day. To try and link or associate me with dudula is laughable. I won’t and will never entertain gossip or rumour mongering. Clowns and comedians will never prosper.
“Shame on those that stole my pictures and used them in an inappropriate manner. I will continue to serve my community with no fear of any contradiction,” Raphadu shared.
When we wanted to know if his haters wanted to achieve something by posting the video, Raphadu said: “I don’t know… rubbish my name or push me into a corner.”
After the video went viral, Dudula Movement sent the letter to Raphadu distancing themselves from the video too.
At the beginning of the footage, Raphadu is shown as Dudula’s leader as his pictures suggest. “We will be removing you all,” says part of the video.
“Good evening Mr. Raphadu. We serve this letter to you regarding a circulating video with your photos in it. As Dudula Movement, we distance ourselves from it, and we have learned that the video was created by an individual who used to be a Dudula member.
“We are not impressed with the video, because not only your photos were used, but those of other members as well. And it is not right that the video was created without people’s concern and approval.”
However, Dudula accused Raphadu of having handled the situation in the wrong way.
“As a Cllr, you, know the leadership of the Movement, which you could have approached for clarity before releasing a statement.
“We also learn that in your statement you mention that you distancing yourself of the Movement, that is faceless, full of clowns etc.
“We are surprised that the very same Movement helps you out with the obstacles that affect the community of Alexandra, the very same Movement that consists of community members who actually voted you in.
“We ask that you take it up with the relevant person who created the video. And we ask for you to retrieve your statement with immediate effect,” said the statement, sent to us by Agnes Malatjie, PRO of Dudula Movement.
After the article was published, Raphadu said he had not received Dudula’s letter and wanted to answer it via our publication.
“I noted a response from dudula purporting to respond to my message circulating.
“I have no time to respond to people who continue to evict, harass and victimise South Africans from their houses.
“This group has turned to be a law unto themselves hiding behind the guise of correcting occupation of houses by illegal foreigners.
“I have no relationship with dudula nor have ever called them for any type of help. I’m shocked by their utterance that seek to suggest any working relationship.
“If they are not the producers of the video, why are they concerned because the message talks to those that created the video.
“I will not be commenting on this issue because I don’t want to give them unnecessary air time,” said Raphadu.
