DA's Kohler Barnard decision a publicity stunt: ANC

The Democratic Alliance’s decision to expel Dianne Kohler Barnard is a publicity stunt and will do little to cleanse the party of “twin demons of racism and apartheid rule”.

So says the office of the African National Congress chief whip, following the DA’s termination of Kohler Barnard's membership.

ANC spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the DA’s decision to expel the MP was a convenient public relations stunt.

“Until the DA has consistently dealt with all racists within its ranks, it would continue to struggle to convince South Africans that it has transformed and is a home for all people regardless of the colour of their skin,” he said in a statement.

Mothapo said the party was not moved by the decision, as it could have more to do with internal factional battles that an attempt to cleanse itself of racism.

“The party ought to deal viciously and consistently with all cases of racism within its ranks, not just convenient low-hanging fruits, to prove its commitment to the values upon which our constitutional democracy is founded.”

Kohler Barnard was stripped of her DA membership on Friday evening, after the she shared a Facebook post from journalist Paul Kirk, praising former apartheid president PW Botha.

She has 10 days to appeal.

The Congress of the People welcomed the decision to terminate the MPs membership.

Spokesperson Dennis Bloem said the damage she had caused her party was too much to ignore, and that the decision should serve as a warning to others.

Source: News24