DA condemns attack on member

Heidelberg’s Democratic Alliance Whip, Sieg Paul, has denounced an attack on one of the party members and called on political leaders in the region to inspire their followers to be better people as opposed to thugs.

Paul made this statement after Jameson Park youth leader Sipho Mbulangwa was hospitalised with multiple head and facial injuries was because he was wearing a DA beanie.

 
Mbulangwa’s attacker struck him multiple times with a glass bottle on September 16 in Smuts Avenue, Jameson Park, and he has since opened a case of assault at Heidelberg SAPS.

“I’m certain that the man in question hit me because I’m trying to encourage people to join the DA in Jameson Park,”  Mbulangwa said.

Paul said that he believes the attack was conducted by member of SANCO (The South African National Civic Organisation).

“I call upon members of the said organisation to refrain from the commission of such deplorable acts,” Paul said.

 

“In particular, the leaders should take note. As leadership we cannot just wash our hands like Pontius Pilate. Let us inspire our followers to be better people, not thugs!” he added.

Asked whether he fears more attacks, Mbulangwa said that it would not surprise him if he is targeted while the party gains support in the area, but added that it would not break the speed of his quest.

 
“I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. One of my goals is to ensure that more people from this region get jobs when new projects are introduced. We cannot have another situation where labour is bussed in from Kwa-Zulu Natal.”

 
Mbulangwa referred to the lucrative Vopak project that is due to start in Jameson Park shortly.

 
The project will provide work for many residents and already some questions with regards to the procurement process of labour have surfaced.