Kohler Barnard to appeal expulsion from DA

In a short sms response to Newswatch, Kohler Barnard confirmed she would be challenging the decision taken by the party's Federal Executive yesterday to terminate her membership.

Last month, she shared a Facebook post by journalist Paul Kirk in which he called for the return of apartheid president PW Botha, saying public services were better under him. 

Kirk also wrote that Botha was more honest than the ANC. At the beginning of the same post, he shared his opinion about the recent suspension of Kwazulu-Natal Hawks head, Johan Booysen.


In her defence, Kohler Barnard said she had not read the post in its entirety before reposting and apologised.


Following a disciplinary hearing, the DA found her guilty of misconduct and for bringing the party into disrepute.

She was then demoted Deputy Shadow Minister of Public Works from being the party's Spokesperson on Police.

DA national spokesperson Phumzile Van Damme says they've yet to formally hear from Kohler Barnard about her appeal.

"A formal appeal has not been lodged. Dianne Kohler Barnard has 10 days to do so. We will await the submission of that appeal."

"The Federal Executive met yesterday to discuss the Federal Legal Commission's findings. The findings, which include her being guilty of misconduct, were accepted by the Federal Executive, which resolved to terminate her membership," she said.

Kohler Barnard has served as the the DA Deputy Provincial Chairperson for KwaZulu-Natal and constituency MP for Durban South Constituency.

DA MP Juanita Terblanche has also been shown the door for misspending party funds.

(Photo: Gallo Images)