DA councillor claims his party is racist and sexist
The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus in the Ekurhuleni Metro had to abandon the debate on the State of the City address (SoCA), in the Germiston Council Chambers, following accusations of racism and sexism by a fellow councillor, on March 26.
DA proportional councillor Hendrick Shilabe stunned his fellow councillors when he accused a party member of insulting and dehumanising black people, and of racism and sexism.
He went on to accuse the DA of protecting the councillor, claiming he had “been raising this issue within the party without action”.
Shilabe produced signed affidavits and handed them to the Speaker of council Patricia Khumalo, asking her to refer the matter to the Human Rights Commission for investigation.
His fellow DA councillors tried to prevent him from continuing with his scathing utterances, but the eager Shilabe would have none of it.
The DA caucus requested that Khumalo prevent Shilabe from speaking, but she said she could not do this, as the DA did not submit a list of speakers to her for the SoCA.
She added that she is not responsible for instilling discipline in political parties.
The DA caucus then walked out of the council chambers, and comment from them was not immediately available.
After his remarks Shilabe announced that he is crossing the floor to the ANC, which saw ANC councillors bursting into song.
