Media Statement

The African National Congress (ANC) condemn the acts of racism, agitation and provocation the nation witnessed with shock and utter contempt, which saw the searching of black people and the closure of road R62 between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces by unauthorised secessionist vigilantes.

This is a grim reminder of the categorization of blacks as illegal immigrants who must be deported to the Eastern Cape. This is a further reminder of a well-orchestrated plan for an independent Western Cape enclave exclusive to the minority as championed by the Democratic Alliance, supported by the fascist Cape Independents through the Powers Bill and plans of secession.

These abhorrent and despicable acts are a blatant violation of human rights, desecration of our Constitution and acts of criminality punishable by law which must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by the peace loving South Africans.

As we celebrate 30 years of democracy, this is a re-enactment of the subversive acts of racist bigots and right wing elements who during negotiations for a peaceful settlement and on the eve of the 1994 elections sought to sabotage the birth of the new democratic order, plunge the country into chaos as they did with the storming of CODESA, the 1992 Boipatong massacre, township bombings, threats of water poisoning, and at worst, the assassination of Comrade Chris Hani in order to perpetuate racist minority rule.

Racists have brazenly nailed their colours to the mast. In fighting these cowardly and dastardly acts the ANC calls on South Africans to exercise restraint, to allow the South African Police Service, the Human Rights Commission and other agencies of the state to investigate and deal with these matters.

Racism has no place in a society committed towards building a non-racial society, and elimination of racial bigotry and discrimination. We have a walked this painful path before. As a movement we are committed towards defending the democratic state and its gains, to advance freedom in our quest for non-racial society.

In our diversity, the Constitution of the Republic enjoins us to contribute towards building unity with an unwavering conviction and believe that South Africa belongs to those who live in it, black and white. It however appears that there are those who are not committed to this cause of nation building.

We once more reiterate, as a reaffirmation of the Constitution, the nature and character of our country that South Africa is a unitary state.

LET’S DO MORE, TOGETHER. VOTE ANC