‘It’s quite despicable’: Ramaphosa SLAMS DA ‘heroes’ posters

Like others in his party have, African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly criticised the Democratic Alliance (DA) for putting up election posters in Phoenix, Durban, which many have deemed racially divisive and distasteful.

Ramaphosa was on the campaign trail in the North West on Friday, 8 October, ahead of the local government elections.

The posters read “The ANC calls you racists, the DA calls you heroes.”  – this is in reference to the violence which broke out in the area back in July. This sparked a wave of fury online and even from the ANC in KZN, who have deemed the posters as divisive and racist.

At least 36 people were killed when vigilantes clashed with suspected looters during the unrest. Racial tensions between Black and Indian community members erupted during the mayhem in the area.

DA ‘heroes’ poster: Ramaphosa’s strong words for the party

Just a day after ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte condemned the DA posters, President Cyril Ramaphosa has also slammed the party, accusing the official opposition of instilling fear in people’s minds.

“It’s quite despicable that a political party during an election campaign can be so threatened that it will resort to racist tactics but the worst part is where they tried to fan the flames of division in our nation of racism, instilling fear in the minds of our people”

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa

DA KZN chairperson Dean McPherson has apologised for the placards and announced that the party would be taking them down following the backlash.

“In my sincere effort to honour the bravery and heroism of law abiding citizens who were left to fend for themselves during the July riots and insurrections, the posters have regretfully caused hurt to some people. I am deeply sorry and apologise for this,” McPherson said.