The DA has welcomed the decision by the UK's Public Relations and Communications Association to proceed with a disciplinary hearing against Bell Pottinger following the DA's complaint that the Guptas' former PR firm sowed racial division in South Africa.
"Both the DA and Bell Pottinger are now required to submit summaries of our cases and copies of all documents, to be considered as evidence, within 10 working days. The hearing is set to commence on Friday, 18th August 2017, in London," the DA said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Bell Pottinger designed and carried out a hateful and divisive propaganda campaign for the Guptas and the Zumas in our country, which is still dealing with a very painful past. The DA welcomes that this hearing will go ahead as we must stand up to those who seek to divide us.
"The South African public stood up against Bell Pottinger in South Africa and in London and we will continue to do so. We will also continue to push Bell Pottinger for full disclosure of their Gupta account and that the money from this account be paid back to South Africa
"The DA looks forward to making our representations at the hearing so that we can ensure Bell Pottinger is held accountable for their actions."
Democratic Alliance and Bell Pottinger hearing. https://t.co/4UI8FPmcGL
— PRCA (@PRCA_UK) July 18, 2017