The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane said on Tuesday it has filed a case with the South African Police Service (Saps) against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Tshwane Councillor Obakeng Ramabodu for his alleged racist remarks during July’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The party has also submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Commission to investigate him for hate speech and incitement of violence.
A council meeting, which included a Motion of No Confidence against Executive Mayor Cilliers Brink, quickly descended into chaos when the African National Congress and EFF realised they lacked sufficient votes to remove the mayor.
DA Tshwane spokesperson Kwena Moloto explained that both parties chose to disrupt the meeting through violence and intimidation.
Moloto pointed out that during these disruptions, Ramabodu stated, "I would be happy to moer a boere. I want the blood of an Afrikaner."
Ramabodu has since apologised unconditionally.
“These appalling words constitute hate speech, and the DA condemns these racist remarks by the EFF leader. Councillors are leaders of society, and such irresponsible remarks by Councillor Ramabodu can have serious real-world consequences,” he said.
Moloto added that racism had no place in Tshwane.
He said the party had referred Ramabodu to the Rules & Ethics Committee and requested that the Chief Whip refer Ramabodu to the Gauteng Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC.
Moloto pointed out that this was not the first time the party had had to open cases against the EFF in Tshwane.
In September 2023, cases were filed against EFF councillors for the assault of DA councillors in Chambers.
Moloto explained that under the leadership of Ramabodu, the EFF had “proven to be a divisive and destabilising force in Tshwane”.
“There is no place for racism in our politics or our society. The DA will continue to fight against hate, violence, and division, ensuring that Tshwane is a city where all are respected and valued,” he said.
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