The Democratic Alliance (DA) has challenged ActionSA regarding the party membership of former-Advocate Malesela Teffo, who was struck from the Roll of Advocates after being found unfit and improper to practice law. The DA issued a public call for ActionSA to announce its intentions to rescind Mr. Teffo's membership, emphasizing the gravity of his disbarment. ActionSA currently maintains Mr. Teffo's party membership despite his disbarment, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from the DA. This continued affiliation, according to the DA, raises serious questions about ActionSA's commitment to legal and ethical standards, particularly given the specific reasons for Mr. Teffo's removal from the Roll of Advocates.
Teffo's Controversial Appearance
On September 1, 2026, Malesela Teffo appeared at the Cat Matlala trial dressed in ActionSA regalia, including an Advocate's robe. Mr. Teffo's appearance in the robe occurred despite his disbarment and lack of appearance rights, a fact that showed the controversial nature of his presence. His attire and conduct at the trial were immediately flagged by observers as highly inappropriate for someone no longer authorized to practice law. During the proceedings, Mr. Teffo attempted to have Cat Matlala’s criminal case dismissed. This intervention, made by an individual who had been found unfit and improper to practice, further fueled the DA's concerns about ActionSA's association with him. The incident at the Cat Matlala trial served as a public demonstration of Mr. Teffo's continued engagement in legal matters despite his professional disqualification, directly implicating ActionSA through his visible party affiliation.
DA's Demands for ActionSA
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally challenged ActionSA to publicly distance itself from Mr. Malesela Teffo. The DA's statement called for ActionSA to clarify its position regarding Mr. Teffo's continued party membership following his disbarment, demanding transparency and accountability. The opposition party specifically challenged ActionSA to publicly announce action to rescind Mr. Teffo's party membership, arguing that anything less would be an implicit endorsement of his disreputable conduct.
The DA also specifically challenged ActionSA leader Mr. Michael Beaumont to address what it described as internal issues within his own party. The DA's demand implicitly links Mr. Teffo's controversial actions to the broader conduct and principles of ActionSA, urging a clear public stance from the party's leadership. This move intensifies pressure on ActionSA to reconcile its internal membership policies with public expectations of legal and ethical conduct, especially concerning individuals who have been professionally discredited. The DA asserts that Mr. Beaumont's leadership is now on trial, requiring him to demonstrate ActionSA's commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Broader Implications for ActionSA
The Democratic Alliance (DA) asserts that ActionSA's continued maintenance of Mr. Malesela Teffo as a party member in good standing amounts to protecting and defending lawlessness. This claim suggests that ActionSA, by retaining Mr. Teffo, is seen as condoning actions that fall outside legal and ethical boundaries, particularly given his disbarment for being unfit and improper to practice law. The DA's statement directly links Mr. Teffo's membership to ActionSA's broader stance on adherence to the rule of law, suggesting a fundamental misalignment of principles.
Mr. Teffo, in his capacity as an ActionSA member, sought the dismissal of charges against one of South Africa’s most controversial criminal accused. This action, according to the DA, further implicates ActionSA in what it describes as an attempt to undermine legal proceedings. The DA contends that allowing Mr. Teffo to remain a member while actively advocating for the release of a high-profile accused individual demonstrates a disregard for the principles of justice. The DA firmly states that as long as ActionSA maintains Mr. Malesela Teffo as a party member in good standing, they protect and defend lawlessness, thereby jeopardizing their own credibility and commitment to South Africa's legal framework. By wanting one of South Africa’s most controversial criminal accused to be let off the hook, Mr. Teffo, as an ActionSA member, has, according to the DA, further tarnished the party's image.
