A provincial campaign manager for South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has resigned a week after the party ran – and later took down – posters for local elections that were condemned as racist, news24 reports.
The DA posters in Phoenix town in Kwa-Zulu Natal read: “The ANC calls you racists, the DA calls you heroes”.
Mike Waters did not say why he had resigned, but News24 reports that it had seen his letter to the DA saying he was “shocked and horrified” by the party’s weakness.
“The party’s grovelling apology and decision to take down these posters is appalling and a betrayal of the heroes who defended lives during the period of violence and looting,” he is quoted as saying in the letter.
He was referring to riots and looting that broke out in Kwa-Zulu Natal in June. Reports said more than 300 people were killed in days of violence – some by traders defending their businesses.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is the leader of the ruling ANC party, called the DA posters “despicable” and accused the opposition party of using “racist tactics” to win elections.
Local elections will be held on 1 November.
Read Also: Marijuana found during South Africa prison raid
SOURCE: BBCNEWS
