PRETORIA, Gauteng — The growing DA influence peddling controversy has escalated into a major political flashpoint, drawing intense national scrutiny over the alleged government lobbying efforts of former party leader Tony Leon. At the heart of the mounting pressure are claims that Leon’s private firm, Resolve Communications, sought lucrative state contracts and municipal tenders through its proximity to Democratic Alliance leadership. Addressing the crisis, DA Federal Chairperson Solly Msimanga has mounted a robust defense of the party’s integrity while tackling specific allegations tied to his own mayoral tenure.
Disputing the Tshwane Tender Claims
A significant portion of the current scrutiny focuses on past municipal procurement, specifically allegations that Leon lobbied the City of Tshwane for lucrative tenders while Msimanga served as the city’s executive mayor. Msimanga categorically denied these claims, stating unequivocally that no such meeting ever took place.
To back his denial, Msimanga pointed to the strict administrative protocols of the mayor’s office. He noted that any visitor would be required to sign a security register, and his private assistant, secretary, and chief of staff would all have a record of the engagement.
Msimanga also addressed a reportedly deposed affidavit submitted to the Public Protector that references his name. He dismissed the document as “Mickey Mouse,” revealing that his legal team has already taken action against the individual who included his name in the filing. He further questioned the timing of the allegations, asking why such grievances were not raised internally nine years ago or during previous party reporting structures.
The Broader Resolve Communications Reach
The spotlight extends well beyond Msimanga’s time in Tshwane. Recent reports, including a tally by the publication *Common Sense*, have identified approximately 17 instances where Resolve Communications allegedly attempted to facilitate meetings or partnerships with DA leadership across various municipalities and government departments.
Several high-profile party figures have previously referenced interactions with the consultancy. Former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba has spoken about the firm’s outreach during his tenure, while current leaders including John Steenhuisen, Dion George, and Phumzile Van Damme have also mentioned Resolve Communications’ role and influence.
When confronted with the fact that he appeared to be the exception who was never approached, Msimanga shifted the focus to Leon’s current status. He emphasized that Leon is operating as a private citizen running a private company, and has openly admitted to reaching out to ministers across the political spectrum, including those in the African National Congress (ANC).
Msimanga maintained that the DA’s internal structures would have exposed any untoward influence. He argued that if any deployed DA ministers, MECs, or mayors had acted inappropriately or awarded contracts improperly, it would constitute a severe problem. However, he insisted that, to his knowledge, no such corruption has occurred.
Policy Independence and the Starlink Question
Beyond direct procurement, concerns have been raised regarding whether DA policy formulation has been compromised by corporate lobbying. Critics have pointed to the coincidence of Starlink—a known client of Resolve Communications—standing to benefit from the DA’s championed policies on “equity equivalence” in broadband and empowerment laws. While Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has publicly explained that the policy was not influenced by such outreach, skepticism remains.
Msimanga pushed back against the narrative of policy capture, directing critics to the DA’s historical manifesto and public speeches dating back to the buildup of the 2024 elections. He emphasized that the party’s stance on broadband competition, infrastructure investment, and education was established and publicized long before the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed and portfolios were assigned.
Furthermore, Msimanga denied that Leon played any role in securing the DA’s specific ministerial portfolios during the GNU negotiations, clarifying that those discussions were held strictly between the President and the DA’s party leadership at the time.
Ramaphosa’s “State Capture” Warning
The political temperature was further elevated when President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly weighed in on the saga. Referencing the media reports surrounding Leon, Ramaphosa likened the allegations to the very corruption the DA has historically fought against.
“The very people who have been campaigning against state capture are now themselves deeply immersed and influencing where contracts should go in a very active way,” Ramaphosa stated, adding that the truth must ultimately come to light.
Msimanga fired back at the President’s remarks, pointing to the ANC’s own documented history with state capture. However, he reiterated that the DA has nothing to hide and openly welcomed a formal presidential investigation into the matter.
“If there has been influence, we will get to the bottom of it. He is the President, he has the resources to get this thing going, and we would welcome it,” Msimanga said.
The Path Forward
To ensure accountability and transparency, the DA is launching its own internal review. Msimanga confirmed that the party’s Federal Executive (FedEx) committee is scheduled to meet next week to formally test the allegations, map out a transparent investigative process, and determine the way forward.
“We are not going to hide anything, not hide behind commissions,” Msimanga concluded, assuring the public that the results of the internal processes will be made known.