DA councillor, Hendrik Shilabe, defected from the DA to the ANC during a council meeting on March 26.
According to Clr Shilabe, he changed political parties due to racism within the DA.
‘There is no room in this country for racism. Every effort must be taken to root out such actions, as and when it occurs. Allegations of racism must be investigated and dealt with,” said Madam Speaker, Clr Patricia Kumalo.
Clr Kumalo claimed she had sensed racism from the DA in previous council meetings and had to, on several occasions, rebuke the DA.
“Some of our forebears lost their lives for us to have a South Africa that is non-racist, non-sexist and democratic. We can only honour those people by practising a true democracy,” said Clr Kumalo.
The DA’s Gauteng Provincial Leader, Clr John Moodey, said it is ironic that the Madam Speaker made such allegations without ever having ‘thrown the book’ at such offenders.
“As the speaker, she should never allow racist remarks and should have referred the offender to the Rules Committee for disciplinary steps to be taken. Given her remarks, if such an action ever occurred, there is no doubt that she should have taken the harshest action,” said Clr Moodey.
Clr Moodey said the Madam Speaker is politicising the event by making unfounded and unsubstantiated statements.
“If she was certain of her facts, she would not have made such a general statement. Instead, she would have mentioned the councillor’s name in her statement. This proves my point, that she is not telling the truth, as she knows she would be sued,” said Clr Moodey.
