The DA in Tshwane has filed a case with the SAPS against EFF Tshwane councillor Obakeng Ramabodu for his racist remarks during July’s ordinary council meeting.
The party opened a case against Ramabodu over his remarks that “he would be happy to moer a boere”, and that he wanted “the blood of an Afrikaner”.
DA’s Tshwane spokesperson Kwena Moloto said Ramabodu’s unfortunate words constituted hate speech, and the DA condemned his racist remarks.
“Councillors are leaders of society, and such irresponsible remarks by Councillor Ramabodu can have serious real-world consequences. Racism has no place in Tshwane.
“Consequently, the DA has referred Councillor Ramabodu to the Rules & Ethics Committee and requested that the Chief Whip refer Councillor Ramabodu to the Gauteng MEC of CoGTA. Additionally, the DA has submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Commission to investigate him for hate speech and incitement of violence.
“This is not the first time the DA has had to open cases against the EFF in Tshwane. On September 1, 2023, cases were filed against EFF councillors for the assault of DA councillors in Chambers. Under the leadership of Councillor Ramabodu, the EFF has proven to be a divisive and destabilising force in Tshwane,” Moloto explained.
He said the party remained committed to being the builders of society, standing strong against those who seek to break it.
“There is no place for racism in our politics or our society. The DA will continue to fight against hate, violence, and division, ensuring that Tshwane is a city where all are respected and valued.”
On Sunday, the EFF’s chief caucus whip, Godwin Ratikwana, said his party has also approached the commission to open a case of intimidation emanating from “racist acts” perpetrated by FF Plus councillor Mark Surgeon.
“This decision comes in the wake of a series of racially charged incidents and persistent systemic racism that continue to plague our city,” he said.
Ratikwana said the recent hostile behaviour exhibited by Surgeon “is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of racism and intimidation perpetuated by certain individuals and groups within Tshwane”.
He said Ramabodu faced direct threats from a group of white reactionaries who expressed their intent to “beat him”.
“These threats were met with a metaphorical retort from Ramabodu, which was subsequently misrepresented and sensationalised by biased media outlets and certain political figures,” he said.
Ramabodu claimed he was provoked by some councillors and that his controversial remarks were taken out of context.
During the heated council sitting, he said: “I will be happy to moer a Boer. That will be nice; an Afrikaner blood. I want the blood of an Afrikaner.”
The Star
sipho.jack@inl.co.za