South Africa's Democratic Alliance expels legislator over racism allegations

By Hassan Isilow

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s second-largest political party, has expelled legislator Renaldo Gouws amid allegations of racism.

The decision was announced on Friday, following a series of controversial videos featuring Gouws that surfaced earlier this year.

Gouws, who had recently been sworn in as a member of parliament, was suspended earlier this year after old footage of him using racist slurs against Black people and calling for violence against them emerged online.

In a statement, the DA, a member of the ruling Government of National Unity, confirmed that its Federal Executive had unanimously resolved to terminate Gouws’ membership.

“Mr. Gouws has been formally informed of this decision. He therefore forfeits his Democratic Alliance seat in Parliament,” the statement read.

The party’s decision came after a thorough investigation by the Federal Legal Commission, which found Gouws guilty of violating several sections of the DA’s constitution.

The DA reiterated its commitment to upholding values of accountability, non-racialism, and respect for all South Africans.