Members of the Biznews community believe the new leader of the Democratic Alliance, Mmusi Maimane, has failed his first big internal test.
An in-depth analysis by Politicsweb editor James Myburgh of details surrounding the DA’s axing of party stalwart Diane Kohler Barnard has evoked overwhelming support for the feisty former Shadow Minister of Police – and those who took to commenting under the story itself and on social media are mostly unimpressed with the way the political party buckled to political correctness.
It is now well known that Kohler-Barnard posted an offensive comment made by freelance journalist Paul Kirk on Facebook. She says she soon realized her mistake, deleted the post and apologized. But someone had copied it to use it as political capital. Over the next few days Although DKB as she is known in political circles apologized unreservedly on a number of occasions, the leadership of the DA made an example of her by kicking her out of the party.
Under the story on Biznews, community member Peter Vlietstra, a self-employed management and technical consultant, summed up the view of most who commented with: “If the DA more confidence in what they stand for, they would not have to be so appeasing, apologetic, politically reactionary and grovelling towards the ANC. I really question the leadership and wisdom in this one.”
Management consultant Francois le Roux said: “I am afraid with this type of hatcheting the DA is going to lose my support,” while travel sector entrepreneur Mark Halbert said: “Stifling freedom of speech within the DA will result in a party that is no different to the party of PW Botha and Jimmy Kruger who tried to stifle the rights of the majority to have their say in our country.”
I apologise unreservedly for sharing a post on FB in the midst of which the author praised PW Botha.I erased it immediately I realised.
— Dianne KohlerBarnard (@DKB20) October 1, 2015
Mo Haarhoff, a regular commentator on Biznews virtually since the website’s inception said the incident has not only turned her off the DA, but politics in general: “I don’t deny that what DKB did was very silly. Social media are not collections of dear and trusted friends if one is a public figure. Instead, they are PR mediums. However, the punishment in no way fits the crime and I hope the DA relents on her appeal, for her sake.” Added Ms Haarhoff: “Personally, I wouldn’t want to appeal were I in her position; the DA has shown its true colours and I suspect it is as racist an organisation as the ANC. Which of us doesn’t criticise the modern ANC, often going as far as making unkind comparisons? Next voting day, I’ll probably be one of those sleeping late; can’t be bothered with this tripe. SA deserves what it gets.”
The post by @DKB20 is indefensible. She has withdrawn it and apologized. now our internal disciplinary processes will be dealing with this. — Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 1, 2015
Esme Collins (Mather) a retired business manager agreed with Ms Haarhoff: “What did she do wrong? All she did was share the post WITHOUT comment!  SA has backslid since the ANC took power. Look at the state of: health; education; policing; power; water; SABC; SAA; Postal Services; failing municipalities (which is the 3rd tier of government) etc etc. Not to mention the corruption taking place at all levels….starting with the President himself! It would appear to me that the DA is becoming quite racist itself. And Mo, your opinion is mine as well!”
London School of Economics graduate Paul Whelan, a frequent blogger whose recent contribution to Biznews on the #Feesmustfall campaign was well received, tried to look beyond the obvious: “A strong signal – or strong response – must be more likely to bring in marginal or doubting black voters: I presume the DA are judging from their research how far DA ‘racism’ is giving them a reason to stay away. If that is so, it is policy not expediency that is driving the leadership. It’s a terrible problem for the DA whichever way you look at it because there is clearly disagreement in the party about the policy and therefore huge disappointment about the punishment. It’s one of the things parties dread most. When the ANC had to expel Mr Malema for far worse conduct, ANC voters switched to the EFF.”
@imanrappetti Really flogging a dead horse over @DKB20 mistake. Easy to see where IR affiliations lie.
— Jay Stallone (@mysticsausage) October 1, 2015
The post on my Facebook page, which reached over 12 000 people and was shared 39 times, drew almost 30 comments. Below are a few of them.
- Some of the Biznews community comments under the link to the DKB story on Alec Hogg’s Facebook page.
