The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal condemns in the strongest possible terms, the racist attack on its Chief Whip and Executive Councillor in the eThekwini Municipality, Yogis Govender when an unidentified councillor shouted in the microphone “GO BACK TO BOMBAY!”.
This racist assault on Councillor Govender on the basis of her being of Indian origin is an attack on a racial group that has made an immense contribution to our province and country dating back to 1860.
This vicious and calculated racist attack is symptomatic of deep-seated racism that resides in parties like the ANC and EFF to minority groups who do not value or respect the role that the Indian community have played in our country, including fighting against the apartheid regime.
What compounds this racial assault is the inaction of the ANC Speaker, Councillor Thabani Nyawose who chose to merely play down this incident and not seek out the perpetrator of this criminal act. This is because the councillor who launched this racial assault is allegedly a member of the ANC.
The DA in KZN calls on the leadership of the ANC to condemn this racist attack and to bring forward their councillor who uttered these words and expel them with immediate effect.
The DA in eThekwini will also bring a motion of no confidence against the Speaker for his failure to protect Councillor Govender against acts of racism because this cannot go without consequences.
Just yesterday the President, at an historic event unveiled the statue of King Shaka, these symbols speak to our wonderful heritage and diversity, symbols that should unite us not divide us.