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IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
ActionSA demands an apology from Dean Macpherson over 'Hobos' remark in Pietermaritzburg Court
ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chairperson Zwakele Mncwango demands that Dean Macpherson apologise for offensive 'hobo' remarks, describing them as dehumanizing and indicative of racial bias in political leadership and courtroom conduct toward Black members. Image: Tumi Pakkies Independent Newspapers ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chairperson Zwakele Mncwango has called on Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, to publicly apologise for remarks allegedly made during court proceedings in Pietermaritzburg, where Macpherson reportedly referred to over 500 Black ActionSA members as "hobos". This comes after the DA and ActionSA took the eThekwini Municipality to the Durban High Court over the city's ongoing sewage crisis. The matter was heard in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday and Friday. In a statement, Mncwango expressed deep concern and disappointment, stating that whether or not the term was used with racial intent, 'the impact of your words cannot be separated from the painful racial history of South Africa.' He criticised Macpherson for using such language, saying: " Referring to a group of predominantly Black South Africans using a term historically associated with poverty, disposability, and social worthlessness is not only deeply offensive, it is dehumanizing,'' he said. Mncwango condemned the remarks as a 'racial affront' that reinforces the racial hierarchies South Africa continues to dismantle. He argued that when such language comes from a senior political figure, 'it sends a disturbing message: that Black people, when politically opposed or inconvenient, can be reduced to derogatory labels and dismissed as less than equal.' Mncwango also accused Macpherson of discriminatory behaviour during the court proceedings. He alleged that Macpherson instructed Black Democratic Alliance (DA) members to give up their front-row seats in court to accommodate White and Indian party members. 'This visible relegation of your own Black colleagues raises serious questions about the racial attitudes and internal culture within your leadership style. Such actions are not only humiliating but reflective of a discriminatory mindset, which should have no place in any democratic or representative institution,'' he said. He has since demanded that Macpherson publicly apologise to the Black ActionSA members he referred to as 'hobos,' to extend that apology to Black South Africans who ''saw in his remarks the reflection of historical wounds and systemic bias,'' and to reflect seriously on his conduct during the court proceedings, particularly his treatment of Black DA members, and offer them a direct apology for the discrimination they experienced. 'Even if you did not mean harm, the effect of your words and actions have caused real pain and reinforced racial hierarchies that many of us are fighting to dismantle,'' Mncwango said. 'Dismissing ActionSA members who are citizens, voters, and human beings as 'hobos' based on their appearance or political alignment is undignified, unacceptable, and racist.' 'It is clear that you are obsessed with ActionSA and its leadership. While I do not mind your political fixation on the party, I will never accept racism against black people in any form, whether subtle or overt.' He warned that failure to apologise would confirm the perception that Macpherson accepts the label of being racist. ''South Africa's democracy demands leaders who unite, not degrade; who uplift, not insult. I urge you to rise to the moment and demonstrate the humility, accountability, and leadership that your office demands,'' he said. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
ActionSA demands apology after Macpherson allegedly calls black people 'hobos'
ActionSA has expressed concern about DA KwaZulu-Natal chair Dean Macpherson after he allegedly referred to a group of black people as 'hobos' during recent court proceedings in Pietermaritzburg. The DA and ActionSA took the city to the Durban High Court over a sewage problem on Thursday and things turned sour between the two parties. According to IOL, Macpherson allegedly told a reporter that ActionSA provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango had denied calling the police to disperse 'hobos', which he claimed ActionSA had recruited to come to the court to pose as its members while picketing. In a letter written to Macpherson, Mncwango said using the word 'hobos' to refer to black people is 'deeply offensive and dehumanising'. 'Whether or not this term was used with racial intent, the impact of your words cannot be separated from the painful racial history of South Africa,' Mncwango said. 'Referring to a group of predominantly Black South Africans using a term historically associated with poverty, disposability and social worthlessness is not only deeply offensive, it is dehumanising. 'In a country still grappling with the scars of apartheid, where the dignity of black people was systematically stripped for decades, language like this is more than an insult — it's a racial affront.' He said it sends a message that black people can be reduced to derogatory labels when politically opposed. 'Even if you did not mean harm, the effect of your words and actions have caused real pain and reinforced racial hierarchies that many of us are fighting to dismantle. 'Dismissing ActionSA members — who are citizens, voters, and human beings — as hobos based on their appearance or political alignment is undignified, unacceptable and racist.' The party condemned Macpherson's conduct during the court proceedings, where he allegedly instructed black DA leaders to vacate their front-row seats for white and Indian members. Mncwango called on Macpherson to issue a public apology. Failure to do so would confirm that he accepted the label of being called a racist, Mncwango said. 'It is clear that you are obsessed with ActionSA and its leadership. While I do not mind your political fixation on the party, I will never accept racism against black people in any form, whether subtle or overt.'
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘Extend that apology to black South Africans,' says ActionSA over Macpherson's hobo comment
Both ActionSA and the DA have been criticised for failing to work together on important issues. Zwakele Mncwango, ActionSA KZN chairperson buys a drink at Zama's Tuckshop at the ActionSA Spaza For Locals Campaign Trail on 23 May 2024 in Durban, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Darren Stewart ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal is demanding a public apology from Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson for calling their members hobos. This follows Macpherson's remarks in a media interview last week, where he referred to ActionSA members picketing outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court as 'hobos'. Both ActionSA and the DA were in court challenging the eThekwini municipality's failure to deliver basic services and maintain sewage infrastructure. However, a squabble arose when members of the DA allegedly refused to share a picketing area with ActionSA members. Speaking to The Citizen on Monday, ActionSA chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal Zwakele Mncwango said both parties eventually shared a picket area. However, he said he is not happy with what Macpherson later said about ActionSA members who were at the court case. 'We had professionals there, some of them are academic, but of course they were black, so I do not know if that qualifies them as hobos,' he said. It is not clear if Macpherson was in court in his capacity as public works minister or as a DA leader in KwaZulu-Natal. However, Mncwango has written a letter to Macpherson demanding an apology for calling ActiionSA members 'hobos'. 'When such language comes from a person in your position — a minister and a senior leader of a political party — it sends a disturbing message: that black people, when politically opposed or inconvenient, can be reduced to derogatory labels and dismissed as less than equal,' Mncwango said. Was the word 'hobo' used intentionally? Mncwango further said Macpherson should be mindful of South Africa's history of oppression and inequality before using that word. 'Whether or not this term was used with racial intent, the impact of your words cannot be separated from the painful racial history of South Africa. 'Referring to a group of predominantly black South Africans using a term historically associated with poverty, disposability, and social worthlessness is not only deeply offensive, it is dehumanising,' he said. ALSO READ: Joburg council has 'no jurisdiction over Kunene, it's a police matter' Morero What form should the apology take? Mncwago said the apology should be directed to all black South Africans. 'Extend that apology to black South Africans who saw in your words the reflection of old wounds and systemic bias,' he said. Macpherson's spokesperson, James de Villiers, told The Citizen that he will not comment on the matter since it involves party politics. 'I work for the ministry of public works, not the Democratic Alliance, which was involved in the court case,' he said. The DA's national officer referred the matter to their KwaZulu-Natal structure for comment. The Citizen has reached out to DA KZN for comment, and this article will be updated when comment is received. Meanwhile, the Pietermaritzburg High Court has reserved its judgment on the matter that the DA and ActionSA have brought against the eThekwini municipality. The parties have described the sewage problem in eThekwini as a crisis that is becoming a health hazard and is affecting tourism and the ocean. NOW READ: Water outages: City ramps up water tankers as taps run dry in these Joburg areas
The Star
23-07-2025
- The Star
Murder of Ekurhuleni auditor Mpho Mafole: Suspect arrested, another alleged killer on the run
Jonisayi Maromo | Published 1 day ago Detectives in Gauteng have made a breakthrough in the murder case of Mpho Mafole, the group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits at the City of Ekurhuleni. IOL previously reported that Mafole, 47, was found in a pool of blood after his vehicle was sprayed with bullets on the R23 in Kempton Park on June 30. At the time, sources insisted Mafole's death was a hit, linked to his investigation into a massive R2 billion electricity scandal he was close to uncovering. On Tuesday, Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a 40-year-old man has been arrested by the provincial serious and violent crime detectives. 'On (Sunday) 20 July 2025, the team arrested a 40-year-old man who is expected to appear before Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on 23 July 2025,' she said. Detectives are also looking for a second suspect, identified as Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, after a warrant of arrest was issued for him by the court. 'The police urge Mncwango to hand himself over to the nearest police station, or anyone who may have information about his whereabouts to contact the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, or anonymously give tip-offs on My SAPS App which can be downloaded on any smartphone,' said Nevhuhulwi. Earlier this month, IOL reported that E xecutive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza described the brutally murdered Mafole as a dedicated public servant, a fearless champion for accountability, and a staunch advocate for ethical governance. Police in Gauteng are investigating the motive behind the murder, but activists and social media users suggest the cold-blooded murder could have been an assassination meant to silence him, linked to his work for the City of Ekurhuleni. [email protected] IOL News
The South African
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
ActionSA to protest at KZN police HQ over alleged SAPS corruption
ActionSA plans to lead a protest outside the KwaZulu-Natal police headquarters in Durban today. The party demands urgent action on what it describes as a deepening crisis in South Africa's criminal justice system. The protest follows explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He accused senior South African Police Service (SAPS) leaders, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of corruption, links to criminal syndicates, and interfering with police operations. Speaking with SABC News , ActionSA's KwaZulu-Natal leader Zwakele Mncwango criticised National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza for referring the matter to three portfolio committees. He argued that the committees would fail to deliver meaningful accountability. Mncwango insisted that there is enough evidence against Mchunu to justify immediate action. 'I think the Speaker is doing what ANC leaders usually do, protecting each other,' Mncwango said. 'The president must be brave enough. There's enough information presented to suspend or remove the minister.' Mncwango also pointed out that Mchunu denied knowing some individuals during a parliamentary session, but later admitted to knowing one of them, which he said raises further concerns. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
