EDITOR – I refer to the Democratic Alliance holding a disciplinary hearing into Dianne Kohler Barnard, charging her with racism.
What is beyond shameful is the complete lack of support and total silence shown for Barnard by her parliamentary and other DA colleagues. Not one of them appears to have the courage to stick their heads above the parapet and say “No! Enough!”
What are they afraid of? Why will nobody come out and support her? Yes, she's human and humans all make mistakes, but she's apologised (immediately and profusely) and remains one of the DA's BEST public representatives and probably its hardest working MP. Certainly one of the very few with a national profile.
So, why the deafening silence from Dianne's colleagues in the DA while so many thousands of South Africans make vocal their support for her? That speaks volumes. Is the DA a democratic party or a one party state? Why has Mmusi Maimane seen fit to issue such an unnecessarily vicious condemnation of her? Why has nobody in his caucus, or indeed in the party, called him to order?
Will just one brave man or woman in the DA please stand up and speak out for her?
“In politics your opponents are seated opposite you. And your enemies are seated behind you” – Peter Leon.
Mark Lowe
Berea
