Is the #DASexScandal legit?

On Saturday the hashtag #DASexScandal and another variant, #DASexGate, went viral. These twitter tongues were set wagging after an explosive email alleged DA parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane, as well as four other members of the party, prey on female members of the party.

The party itself has entirely rejected the claims, calling them “negative”, “false” and “destructive”. “We reject it entirely, and suggest that congress delegates do the same,” said Maimane’s campaign manager Geordin Hill-Lewis. The email, which names and shames Gavin Davis, Paul Boughey, Athol Trollip and John Steenhuisen alongside Maimane, claims the men of the DA “use their power to manipulate the ascension of women in the party. The writer of the mail, however, who claims that she is one of the “playthings” in question, remains anonymous. 

ANC supporters have, understandably, reacted with glee to the allegations.

Outgoing DA leader, Helen Zille has remained mum, but Maimane’s wife has come out in his defence.

The timing of these revelations is questionable, considering Maimane is challenging Wilmot James for leadership of the party. It’s all “he said, she said” stuff for now, but some people are questioning why South Africans are not more outraged. Â