A Ward 11 councillor at Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Freeman Mathavha, says he is considering legal action after an allegedly manipulated photograph depicting him in the regalia of a rival political party was circulated on social media.
Mathavha described the image as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation, cast doubt on his loyalty to the African National Congress (ANC) and damage his standing within both the party and the community.
“The very first day the picture was published and circulated, I was shocked. The photograph was digitally manipulated to depict me in a very wrong way. I am not a candidate for the SACP, nor am I a candidate for any organisation in the forthcoming local government elections. This has damaged my reputation,” he said.
According to Mathavha, the incident has affected him personally and politically.
“Personally, I am hurt. My family has been negatively affected by this irresponsible publication. Politically, doubts have been created regarding my loyalty to the ANC, an organisation I joined many years ago and have served faithfully ever since.”
He said he was determined to clear his name through legal channels.
“I know who is behind all this and I am considering legal action over this falsehood. It was intentionally done to damage my reputation and good name within the ANC. I am a deployed cadre of the ANC at Collins Chabane Local Municipality, entrusted with a huge responsibility over many years. My loyalty is with this organisation, and this false publication was meant to undermine that. Legal action will help redeem my name.”
Mathavha alleged that the person responsible for circulating the image had been identified.
“The individual whose device was used to disseminate this falsehood has been approached and has tendered what I consider a poor apology. He intended to damage my good name within society and the ANC.”
Mathavha added that he had already reported the matter to the ANC regional secretary and the speaker of Collins Chabane Local Municipality.
He warned that those responsible should stop spreading false information.
“The offender and his associates must cease tarnishing my reputation. Educated people must act responsibly. Deliberate falsehoods and slander should never go unpunished, and I believe the law must take its course,” he said.
He declined to name the person he suspected of circulating the image.