By: Sello Theletsane
The Democratic Alliance has made a U-Turn on its election posters in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, where it praised vigilantism that resulted in the death of 36 people.
In a statement on Thursday, the party’s KZN leader, Dean Macpherson, said the organisation was in the process of removing posters in KZN, which have “inadvertently caused offence”.
“In my sincere effort to honour the bravery and heroism of law-abiding citizens who were left to fend for themselves during the July riots and insurrections, the posters have regretfully caused hurt to some people. I am deeply sorry and apologise for this,” Macpherson said.
“As these posters were unsanctioned by the DA leader, party structures and party campaign leadership, I am arranging the removal of these posters today. Sometimes in politics, our words may be poorly chosen, but I wish to assure the public, without contradiction, that my intentions are always sincere,” Macpherson added.
The posters read: “The ANC called you racists,” and: “The DA calls you heroes,” referring to the racial tensions that flared up in Phoenix during the civil unrest in July where black people needed to prove where they stayed and what they were doing in certain places.
Macpherson said the intended message was that in the massive void created by a failing state, unable to secure South Africans’ homes and businesses during the riots, some heroic residents were forced to stand up and do what the police and army were unable to do.
“This action was met with allegations of racism from the ANC. At no point did I, nor the DA, and at no point would I or the DA ever condone or support those who undertook vigilante actions. I once again condemn those who undertook vigilante actions that cost lives and damage to property. The DA is a party of non-racialism, and it was never my intention to cause any other perception,” Macpherson said.
ANC members were in Phoenix on Thursday and called the posters fascist. Deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte said they would be laying a complaint against the DA with the Human Rights Commission as the posters caused a lot of damage and condoned racism and vigilantism.
“We will go ahead with the Human Rights Commission complaint,” she said.
