Steve Hofmeyr has defended MP Renaldo Gouws and criticized the DA for suspending him following a video controversy in which Gouws used a racial slur and incited violence against black people. The video was filmed in 2010, and the DA announced that Gouws would face disciplinary charges.
Steve said,
“If you watched the whole video, you would know he used it as an example to put real racists like Julius Malema in their place, to ask them, ‘How does this feel?’”.
“The video is not embarrassing; his suspension is embarrassing. It shows the DA is the most woke party in South Africa”.
Steve emphatically claimed that Gouws’s critics failed to consider the video in its “context”. In the widely circulated clip, Renaldo Gouws furiously expresses his objection to then ANC Youth League president Julius Malema’s rendition of the struggle song “Kill The Boer”. He also passionately voices his frustration about farm murders. According to DA Director of Communications Richard Newton, Renaldo Gouws will be promptly suspended from all party activities while the FLC initiates proceedings.
When The South African repeatedly asked whether Gouws would continue to receive a salary from Parliament, Newton responded, “The FLC case must be concluded before punitive measures are taken.” Meanwhile, the DA faces criticism for neglecting to conduct a background check on Renaldo Gouws. Newton informed eNCA:
“The vetting process is very thorough. This was 15 years ago, and it may have slipped through the net.
“We are investigating this, and we’re checking whether there are any other videos. This is an incredibly serious matter, and we’re not taking it lightly. Every avenue will be investigated.”
Why is the Renaldo Gouws matter gone quiet?
Media is unusually quiet. Has the @SAHRCommission opened a case of hate speech at the equality court?
We want an update. pic.twitter.com/AtBo964ZFK
— 🍎 Jenna 🇿🇦 🇷🇺 🇵🇸 (@jenna_original) June 26, 2024
“Equality” being the key word there.
While you take Renaldo Gouws to court, will you take Andile Mngxitama as well? https://t.co/G7UFbe6iA1pic.twitter.com/gKmPtxgrkU
— Joe Emilio (@Joe_Emilio_) June 25, 2024
