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The Abaqulusi (Vryheid) Municipality finds itself in the line of fire, after its Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mandla Mazibuko, referred to protestors as baboons on a voice note.
Discussing the issue, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Councillor Swelakhe Shelembe explained that the AbaQulusi DA condemned in the strongest terms the use of vulgar language by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mazibuko and views it as an incitement of violence.
“In a voice note that was shared with the DA, the Deputy Mayor can be heard calling protesters who had been marching and calling for the removal of the Mayor, Mncedisi Maphisi, “Izimfene” (baboons). The crowd he was addressing joins him and also uses vulgar language directed at the protesters,” explained Cllr Shelembe.
To listen to the voice note, click here.
He further added that the DA was now calling for an urgent investigation into the Deputy Mayor’s racist remarks, and possible contravention of constitutional human rights and code of conduct for councillors.
“The DA will also lay a formal complaint with the Commission for Human Rights and the South African Police Service (SAPS),” Cllr Shelembe pointed out.
He added that the aim of leaders should be to unite, bring stability and calm to communities. “For him to have made these remarks is indicative of a leader that lacks self-control and integrity. This is especially important in KwaZulu-Natal that has seen a sharp increase in political killings. The Deputy Mayor needs to withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology,” concluded Cllr Shelembe.
Adding to the DA’s comments, the African National Congress (ANC) said it was calling upon the SA Human Rights Commission, South African Police Service and National Prosecuting Authority to process criminal charges against the Deputy Mayor.
“He must face the same fate as Penny Sparrow who called Black people monkeys. We cannot afford to once again go the path wherein politicians were allowed to use inflammatory language which created political intolerance and political violence,” the ANC remarked.
The political party added that the IFP Deputy Mayor had no right to insult residents, who used their democratic rights, enshrined in the Constitution to hold IFP Office Bearers accountable for corruption and maladministration.
Furthermore, the office of the Municipal Manager for the AbaQulusi Municipality explained it had taken note of the allegations made against Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mazibuko.
“The alleged voice recording has been circulating on social media purporting that Cllr Mazibuko called the community members who were marching on Friday baboons. The Municipality will follow an internal process regarding this matter,” confirmed the AbaQulusi Office of the Municipal Manager.
Moreover, the Office of the Municipal Manager stated that they took all matters reported by the community seriously.
The IFP in KZN was contacted for comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of publication.
Now, as the government entity begins its investigations, what are your thoughts on the above-mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
Image: Submitted by Abaqulusi (Vryheid) Municipality
Wow not nice at all
He must be charged. This is unacceptable.