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By IOL Reporter 
13h ago
Durban – The Democratic Alliance’s shadow minister for Communications and Digital Technologies, Phumzile van Damme, is ready to challenge the party’s federal leader’s decision to grant her a sabbatical.
On Twitter on Friday, Van Damme said that John Steenhuisen had informed him that he was granting him a sabbatical.
“I didn’t request it. He just informed me. I could walk away, but I choose to stay and challenge him on principle,” she tweeted.
I have been informed by the Federal Leader of the DA @jsteenhuisen granting me a sabbatical year. I did not request it. It just informed me. I could walk away, but I choose to stay and challenge him ABOVE THE BEGINNING.
– Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) December 4, 2020
Van Damme said she had been on sick leave for three months, but added she was open about it and was due to return to work on December 15.
“I informed the Chief Whip that I would stay on my committee work while I was on sick leave. I disclosed my illness even though it was not necessary. So it is being used against me to marginalize me,” he said.
I’ve been open about being sick. I have been on sick leave for 3 months, until December 15th. I informed the Whip Chief that I would still focus on my committee work while I was on sick leave. I told him about my illness even though I didn’t need it. For what is being used against me to marginalize me. K.
– Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) December 4, 2020
Van Damme asked him if he had denied his duties while on leave.
“Did I drop the ball while I was sick?” No. Even when I was sick, as I do when I’m well, did I outgrow many of my colleagues? Yes. I didn’t ask for a sabbatical. I determine my health. My doctors determine my health. He’s not my employer, “Van Damme tweeted.
Did I drop the ball while I was sick? No. Even when I was sick, as I do when I’m well, did I outgrow many of my colleagues? Yes. I didn’t ask for a sabbatical. I determine my health. My doctors determine my health. It is not my employer.
– Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) December 4, 2020
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