Sexual abuse claim against Gardee likely to just dent his image

Head of communications at the Legal Practice Council (LPC), Kabelo Letebele, says mere allegations without proof would never get any legal practitioner disbarred.

He says when a complainant approaches the LPC with allegations levelled against a legal practitioner, a panel gets assigned to asses both sides of the case.

“When we receive the complaint, the LPC has to refer the case (all cases) to an independent panel of investigators for them to look at the complaint and details of it. This committee would also give the accused practitioner an opportunity for them to submit their side of the story. After all inputs have been received, the Committee makes a recommendation to Council for further action or where there is no merit, they are empowered to dismiss a matter,” says Letebele.

He was reacting to a debate on the claims former Rhodes University student, Yolanda Dyantyi, made against EFF deputy president, Godrich Gardee.

She is accusing the politician and attorney of sexually abusing her after manipulating her into thinking that he will help her with her case against Rhodes University.

One thing @FloydShivambu didn’t lie about is the @EFFSouthAfrica is a cult which I will no longer support in any form.@GardeeGodrich abused me not only sexually but emotionally through manipulating me into believing that he would represent me in my matter with Rhodes University.

— Yolanda Dyantyi (@YoliShade) July 3, 2025

Dyantyi was found guilty in 2017 of alleged kidnapping, insubordination, and defamation during the #RhodesReferenceList protest, which resulted in her five-year suspension from the institution.

The Supreme Court of Appeal eventually set aside the guilty verdict, with costs.

A WhatsApp screenshot allegedly between the two is also making rounds on digital platforms showing Gardee urging Dyantyi to delete her post, in exchange for money, which some social media users have dismissed – saying the screenshot is photo shopped.

One thing @FloydShivambu didn’t lie about is the @EFFSouthAfrica is a cult which I will no longer support in any form.@GardeeGodrich abused me not only sexually but emotionally through manipulating me into believing that he would represent me in my matter with Rhodes University.

— Yolanda Dyantyi (@YoliShade) July 3, 2025

High Court Legal practitioner, attorney Nthabiseng Dubazana, says a legal practitioner found guilty of a criminal act will be expelled from practicing, for good.

“As a legal practitioner, once you’ve been found guilty of any criminal offense you cannot practice in the field of law there. They will then be put on the non-practicing role and limited to giving legal advice without practicing,” says Dabuzana.

Dubazana says the claims against Gardee if found to be baseless won’t have any repercussions, although his reputation might be dented in society.

“Up until this person has been found guilty of any offense, it will not have any real repercussions for them at work if they are employed as a formal legal advisor,” explains Dabuzana. Written by Odirile Rabolao