A South African lawmaker from the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been suspended by the party after old videos surfaced online showing him making violent racist comments against black people.
Renaldo Gouws initially suggested that one of the videos was doctored and denied its authenticity. However, a statement from the DA confirmed the video’s legitimacy.
In the video, Gouws, who was recently sworn into parliament, repeatedly uses a local slur for Black Africans along with the n-word and advocates for violence against black people.
This development comes at a sensitive time as President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to form a new coalition government with the DA.
The DA, a center-right party, has been accused of racism by critics who claim it prioritizes the interests of the white-minority population.
The party denies these accusations and has stated that Gouws will face disciplinary action.
This incident follows another video where Gouws made racially charged remarks, implying that white people were victims of reverse apartheid.
He also made derogatory comments about Africa. An online petition calling for his removal as an MP has garnered over 40,000 signatures.
After the first video emerged, Gouws apologized, claiming he was not racist but had spoken in a “crass” and “hostile” manner. However, the recent video showing him advocating violence has raised further concerns.
The leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen, had previously defended Gouws, but it is unclear if he is aware of the latest video.
Senior DA official and former party leader Helen Zille condemned Gouws’ language as unjustifiable and unacceptable. Gouws, a former councillor known for stirring controversy on social media, now faces disciplinary measures within the party.
Source-BBC
