Date set for DA, Bell Pottinger hearing

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has set a date for a hearing after the Democratic Alliance filed a complaint against British PR firm Bell Pottinger.

Francis Igham, director-general of the PRCA, said in today’s statement: “As previously announced, the complaint filed by the Democratic Alliance (the South African political party) against Bell Pottinger is being considered by a Professional Practices Committee. This Committee has decided to hold a haring on this case with both parties on Friday, 18th August, 2017.”

Both Bell Pottinger and the DA are required to provide full evidence to the committee before the hearing.

The Democratic Alliance said in another statement also released today that they “look forward to making our (DA) representations at the hearing so that we can ensure Bell Pottinger is held accountable for their actions”.

In a statement released last week the DA’s shadow minister of communications, Phumzile van Damme, confirmed Bell Pottinger responded to the complaint on Friday.

The statement reads: “The DA can confirm that Bell Pottinger yesterday met its deadline to respond to the DA’s complaint that it violated the Public Relations and Communications Association’s (PRCA) Professional Charter and Code of Conduct – following allegations that they sowed racial divisions in South Africa.”

The British public relations firm has been accused of sowing racial division, as well as being behind campaigns that targeted journalists who have been critical of the Guptas, a family linked to President Jacob Zuma.