By: Natasha Archary
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) advert depicting the burning of the South African flag.
DA leader John Steenhuisen explained the messaging of the advert, telling South Africans that if they continue voting for the African National Congress (ANC), the country will be burnt to ashes.
The DA’s TV election advert has raised eyebrows with social media users shocked that the party would resort to burning the country’s flag which represents the “rainbow nation.”
In response to the DA’s election advert, Ramaphosa said the depiction is desperate, inciteful and undermines the principles of democracy and unity.
This as the country celebrates 30-years of freedom from the preservation of tolerance and peace in the build-up to the 29 May National and Provincial elections.
“All South Africans should deplore this abuse of our national flag for party political purposes.
Our flag is a symbol of identity, integrity and unity that we fly with a pride and consciousness that transcends party political interests.
Our flag holds profound significance for the nation as it represents the hard-won freedoms and peace achieved through historical struggles against injustice.
As government, we firmly defend the right to freedom of expression, with the expectation that this right be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.
To manipulate or exploit national symbols for personal or partisan gain is disrespectful and also undermines the essence of democracy and civic responsibility.
It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our elections free, fair and dignified.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa responds to the DA’s advert depicting the South African flag burning
The President calls on all political parties and South Africans to uphold the dignity of all national symbols and to conduct themselves in ways that foster unity and progress for all.
Also read: IEC confirms letter from Jabulani Khumalo demanding removal of Zuma as MK Party leader
