ANC in Oudtshoorn must get their house in order

The disorderly ANC meeting in Oudtshoorn this week where municipal property was vandalised and Marius Fransman was attacked by a mob, is a further sign of a growing culture of violence and power hunger in the Western Cape ANC.

The ANC here is characterized by internal leadership struggles, a lack of strategy and discipline and a disregard for public property and efficient service delivery.

In the Western Cape Marius Fransman's name has become synonymous with conflict, incitement and mischief. He clumsily staggers from one political fiasco to the next.

Recent examples include inflammatory speeches on farms, the abuse of the memorial service of rape- and murder victim, Anene Booysen, and insulting remark towards the Jewish community of the Western Cape.

The DA is concerned about the culture of violence associated with the ANC's actions in this province. It is no surprise that this culture has turned against mr. Fransman himself.

The DA calls on leaders to engage responsibly with communities and to not incite a spiral of violence through their statements and actions.

It has become very clear that long-term solutions need to be found for the on-going political dissidence within the ANC in Oudtshoorn.

The Western Cape government has already indicated that it will assist with service delivery in the ANC-led Oudtshoorn municipality and that the offer has nothing to do with party politics, but with a concern for and responsibility towards the communities in this area.

In the meantime, the DA calls on mr. Fransman and his colleagues to get their house in order and to urge their constituencies to behave in a civilised and, above all, democratic manner.

Statement issued by Theuns Botha, Deputy Leader of the DA in the Western Cape, May 3 2013

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