A Newcastle Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward Councillor has come under fire for racial remarks.
According to recent reports, Cllr Connie Hariram made racial comments via a voice note on a WhatsApp Group regarding a resident elected as a Ward Committee member, in February 2022.
In the voice note, Cllr Hariram can be heard questioning why (in a meeting where there were predominantly individuals of Indian origin) was a Black South African voted for to form part of the Ward Committee.
Cllr Hariram can also be heard saying, “The first thing is that the lady, Thandeka. She is a black lady. We were all Indians there. Who voted for her? The Indians! So, I am so disappointed you know… I don’t know what to say and I don’t know what to do. But I am very disappointed in our people.”
Following the comments made by the Ward Councillor, the matter was reported to both the Equality Court and to the Newcastle Municipality’s Speaker’s office.
Speaking with Newcastillian News, Newcastle Municipal Speaker, Cllr Thengi Zulu confirmed that the matter was reported to his office. While unable to elaborate fully on the matter at this point in time, Cllr Zulu said, “The matter is under investigation by the Newcastle Municipality and I have been assured the DA is also investigating the matter.”
Seeking insight on the matter, Newcastillian News contacted local DA officials for comment.
However, Cllr Bertie Meiring could not comment and referred the matter to Dr Imran Keeka, the DA Constituency Head of Amajuba. Unfortunately, Dr Keeka stated that he too could not provide comment and referred Newcastillian News to DA’s KZN Provincial spokesperson, Cllr Sthembiso Ngema.
“When the party became aware of the allegations late last year, an investigation was immediately launched into the matter and concluded before the end of 2022. The councillor in question has pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The DA will now consider the investigation outcome, along with the admission of the councillor,” said Cllr Ngema.
What are your thoughts on the above-mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 2
Shameful, unacceptable & totally opposite to what the DA, as a whole, stands for….
That’s why nothing right will ever happen here people are still wasting time being racist, she must just be removed and her apology shouldn’t mean anything coz it’s all to easy to say you sorry even if you don’t mean it..