DA Condemns alleged racial discrimination in the distribution of food parcels
23 April 2020
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ugu District today calls on KZN Premier, SihleZikalala, to intervene and investigate the unfair distribution of food parcels amid mounting reports of some ANC Councillors who have been using government relief for political scoring.
Local DA councillor Ajith Rajarm at Merlewood outside of Port Shepstone, observed people in ANC regalia handing out food parcels, some to people known in the community to be of means. When some of the Indian residents in the area came for the parcels, they were turned away and told that the parcels are not for them. They were further advised to only seek assistance from their DA Councillor.
We are dismayed to hear growing reports of ANC interference, racial profiling and unfair practices when it comes to food parcels for the poor. Reports of parcels being handed out to people who are still receiving salaries whilst the very poor are not getting, and of government, parcels being handed out by people in ANC regalia is coming in daily.
If the food distribution is indeed racially discriminating, the DA condemns such behaviour and calls for an immediate end to this cruelty.
South Africa belongs to all who live in it and such behaviour is totally unacceptable.
The Covid-19 virus does not discriminate, nor does the hunger that the lockdown brings, so it is bizarre that the ANC decides to discriminate against people based on the colour of their skins. This should not be the case especially in a province that is so rich in its diversity.
President Ramaphosa and his cabinet keep reminding us that we are all in this together, but it seems on the ground the President’s own party does not seem to agree with him.
The detrimental effects of the Coronavirus pandemic require us to unite for the good of our country and all those who live in it. The DA will continue to fight for our principle of One South Africa for all.
Issued by Martin Meyer, DA Ugu South Constituency Head, 23 April 2020
