DA welcomes launch of City of Cape Town's Inclusive City campaign

21 March 2015

Today the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille officially launched the Inclusive City Campaign.

This campaign is aimed at creating public platforms for dialogue to confront what makes some residents feel excluded and some entitled. 

The DA welcomes this move as we believe that constructive dialogue is an essential step in tackling racism.

We further welcome the City leadership's commitment to working directly with industry to actively prevent race from being a factor in property deals, restaurant bookings, treatment in stores and other facets of everyday life.

To this end the Mayor has announced today that the City will lead a campaign with industry bodies to address those individuals within the property, hospitality, university, media, and retail sectors who cannot get past their prejudice.

Today we celebrate Human Rights Day and reflect on the sacrifices that were made in order for South Africans of all races and ethnicity to live in an inclusive society based on a culture of rights.

In doing so we also recognise that racism is sadly still pervasive in many of South Africa's communities around the country. We also recognise that reconciliation has not been fully achieved or embraced by all.

The spate of racist attacks in the city over the past few months demonstrates the prejudices and attitudes that some in our society still hold. 

The City of Cape Town has shown leadership and courage by launching this campaign and we challenge all other municipalities to create similar platforms for open dialogue on racism.

Racism is not a Cape Town problem, it is a South African problem.  

Each one of us can make a difference to end racism and bring about a more inclusive society which many fought and died for.

Statement issued by Phumzile Van Damme, DA National Spokesperson, March 21 2015

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