DA leaves Ekurhuleni council chambers after their councillor was dismissed
Waters said the speaker's ruling was essentially violating and undermining the Constitution of this country.
The DA walked out of Ekurhuleni council chambers on October 26 after its councillor Nicola da Silva was ordered to do so by speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga.
Da Silva wore a witch hat to council and was soon ordered to remove it, yet refused to do so.
When questioned why, she stated that it was her religion and that other councillors were free to wear Palestinian scarves during the previous council meeting.
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DA members followed Da Silva as she exited the council chamber in a show of support, whilst other councillors chanted “The witch must go”.
The DA said they walked out in defense of the Constitution of South Africa.
“Da Silva was expressing her religious freedom. The right to freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa, stipulating that everyone has the right to freedom of religion, belief, and opinion,” said Michael Waters, DA chief whip of council.
Waters said the speaker’s ruling was essentially violating and undermining the Constitution.
“The religious intolerance practised in chambers is an assault on the Constitution and the DA will not allow any person to abuse their position of power to trample on the beliefs and rights of an individual.
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“In this case, the act of denying the right of people to practice and express their religious beliefs freely.
“We strongly condemn the behavior of the EFF councillors who chanted and hurled hate speech at the DA councillor.
The DA Caucus walked out in solidarity with our councillor and her right to religious freedom,” said Waters.Wath the video here
@bedfordview.edenv Tania Campbell on why the DA left Ekurhuleni council chambers. DA Ekurhuleni caucus leader, Ald Tania Campbell explains why DA members joined Clr Nicola da Silva when she was ordered to leave council chambers for wearing a witch hat on October 27. Da Silva was ordered to remove the hat which she refused to do. When questioned why, she stated that it is her religion. DA members followed Da Silva as she exited council chamber in a show of support.
♬ original sound – Bedfordview Edenvale News – Bedfordview Edenvale News
