The Democratic Alliance (DA) has moved swiftly to distance itself from comments allegedly made by a Stellenbosch municipal official, after a video surfaced on social media appearing to show the official making racist remarks and advocating illegal labour practices aimed at white people. The party released a statement yesterday, making clear that such conduct is incompatible with the DA’s commitment to non-racialism and merit-based appointments.

The DA has governed the municipality since 2011 and won over 60% of the vote in the last local government election in the municipality.

In a statement the party said: “The DA is committed to non-racialism. We reject all forms of discrimination, regardless of their source or target.

“In light of the video being circulated on social media, the remarks, if accurately reported in context, run directly contrary to the DA’s values and principles.

“The DA draws a clear line between party and state. We do not engage in cadre deployment, and expect a competent, independent civil service to implement our policies where we govern. Therefore, we expect DA-governed municipalities to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the constitutional values of fairness and dignity, and with DA policy.”

The controversy comes as the DA seeks to reinforce its image as the leading proponent of non-racialism in South African politics. It said that the comments had no place in a municipality governed by the DA and should not have a place in any government in South Africa.