Durban — The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal says the IFP deputy mayor who allegedly called residents izimfene (baboons) must face the same fate as Penny Sparrow who called black people monkeys in 2016.
Abaqulusi Local Municipality deputy mayor Mandla Mazibuko allegedly called marchers izimfene on Friday.
This was heard in an audio recording that is circulating on social media.
In the audio, although sometimes inaudible because of the background noise and residents commenting, Mazibuko can be heard saying that “as the IFP, there was a lot us… councillors in Abaqulusi, there were 21 councillors but the party said Maphisa would be our mayor. Therefore we were not going to... the baboons (ezimfeneni) like…”
The ANC calls on the SAHRC and SAPS to act against another IFP deputy mayor who called residents baboons.
On Sunday afternoon, ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said: “We are calling upon the SA Human Rights Commission, South African Police Service and National Prosecuting Authority to process criminal charges against the deputy mayor.
“He must face the same fate as Penny Sparrow who called black people monkeys.
“We cannot afford to once again go the path wherein politicians were allowed to use inflammatory language which created political intolerance and political violence,” Mtolo said.
He said Mazibuko had no right to insult residents, who used their democratic rights, enshrined in the Constitution to hold IFP office-bearers accountable for corruption and maladministration.
“By and large, we remain worried about allegations of murder involving IFP mayors. These are leaders who should be leading by example,” Mtolo said.
He said they recalled that political violence weighed heavily in KwaZulu-Natal than in any other part of South Africa.
He added that there were notable flashpoints that were once ravaged by political violence with innocent communities with visible scars still showing on their bodies.
“Critically, privately expressed concerns about the conduct of certain leaders who want to take this province backwards must move us into action,” Mtolo said.
“As the ANC we are calling upon leaders to make it their personal responsibility to consolidate the pace of building the foundation of a strong and vibrant nation where all of us can be proud to live together as citizens.”
Mtolo said it should be the ability to resolve challenges that must earn any leader the respect of their communities. Intimidation and inflammatory language should be rejected.
The DA said the deputy mayor’s remarks were an incitement of violence.
Abaqulusi chief whip Councillor Swelakhe Shelembe said: “The DA in AbaQulusi Local Municipality condemns in the strongest terms the use of vulgar language by the deputy mayor, Councillor Mazibuko and views it as an incitement of violence.”
Shelembe said in a voice note shared with the DA, the deputy mayor can be heard calling protesters who had been marching and calling for the removal of the mayor, Mncedisi Maphisi, “izimfene” (baboons). The crowd he was addressing joins him and also uses vulgar language directed at the protesters.
“We are therefore calling for an urgent investigation into his racist remarks and possible contravention of constitutional human rights and code of conduct for councillors,” Shelembe said.
“The DA will also lay a formal complaint with the Commission for Human Rights and the SAPS.”
Shelembe said the aim of leaders was to unite, bring stability and calm in our communities. For him to have made these remarks is indicative of a leader who lacks self-control and integrity.
“This is especially important in KwaZulu-Natal, which has seen a sharp increase in political killings.
“The deputy mayor needs to withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology,” Shelembe said.
Daily News