/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA in eThekwini is completely opposed to the African National Congress’ (ANC) racist motion that seeks to give rental discounts to only black African traders at the Bulk Fresh Produce Market in the south of the city.

In a desperate attempt by the City leadership to come across as “radical”, the ANC supported and passed this racist motion during a full council meeting on the 5th of August.

Following the recent unrest in the city and rising racial tensions fuelled by internal ANC factional battles, EFF pandering and the constant scapegoating of other races by the ANC, it cannot be that the eThekwini Municipality passed a motion that is divisive and exclusionary. This motion will see unfair competition created and a side-lining of other traders who are equally impacted by the draconian lockdown regulations imposed by the ANC.

The ANC cannot use Apartheid as a reason to play on our emotions by claiming rental discounts given to black African traders will correct the injustices of the past, which is the reason that was given to passing this motion. The DA believes better redress and justice is given by good governance, dismissing incompetent and corrupt officials and instituting economic reforms that attract investment and create an environment conducive to growth and opportunity.

After 27 years into democracy, it is clear that the ANC has abandoned the democratic project and the principles of unity, equality and the rule of law underpinned by our constitution. They have instead chosen to scapegoat everything under the sun to dodge accountability for their failures in government and this motion is yet another ploy to cover up what has been a declining local economy for many years.

The DA in eThekwini will continue to fight for every resident irrespective of their race, gender, religion and sexual orientation because everyone deserves to feel like they belong to this city and that the municipality will not abandon them in their time of need on the basis of their race.

Issued by DA