30 May 2020
Despite numerous unequivocal condemnations by the ANC leadership and progressive sectors of society and calls for reason, unwarranted racist and misogynistic attacks on Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma have continued unabated characterised by the deployment of various methods through the mass media and especially in social media in the form of an orchestrated campaign to discredit the good work that Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has continued to do as a member of the Executive in pursuit of her national duties.
These latest attacks and caricatures on the person of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma are a continuation of similar attacks that were waged against her person as the former Minister of Health when she took on the tobacco lobby groups as well as pharmaceutical companies as we radicalized the primary health care sector decades ago.
As a consequence of her bravery; our health system for years was able to focus on preventive measures that have now enabled the tertiary health sector to be in a better situation to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the ANC Caucus we wish to add our voice as public representatives deployed in Parliament in viewing these frontal attacks as gross human rights and will join any legal action or class suit aimed at preferring charges against those actively engaged in these violations.
We call on law enforcement agencies and human rights bodies both in civil society and within our Chapter 9 institutions to investigate these charges against those who have engaged in these hateful acts using our various anti – hate speech and anti – racism laws.
The ANC in Caucus reiterates its unwavering support for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as well as Dr. Zweli Mkhize and the entire Cabinet who have continued to perform their national duties diligently in terms of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 whilst guiding the nation through various timely regulations issued consistently since the declaration of the State of Disaster.
We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the likes of Danie Herselman and his lunatic ilk face the consequences of their vile actions.
Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip; Hon. Pemmy Majodina
For more information, contact:
Nomfanelo Kota
Acting Caucus Spokesperson
076 733 6511