Johannesburg - The DA has given former Gupta PR firm Bell Pottinger until the close of business day to respond to party’s complaint relating to its involvement with Oakbay Capital and the Gupta family.
This follows the recent apology issued by the PR firm for their involvement with Oakbay as well the controversial Gupta family.
The PR firm last week apologised to South Africans affected by its campaign and said they had been misled.
The DA on Thursday confirmed it had laid a complaint with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) over Bell Pottinger's violation of the association's Professional Charter and Code of Conduct.
“PRCA agreed to the DA’s request for an investigation into Bell Pottinger after the Gupta emails revealed that the company launched a racially charged propaganda campaign for the benefit of their clients, the Guptas.
“Clause 4 of the PRCA’s Charter states that ‘[a] member is required to take all reasonable care that professional duties are conducted without causing offence on the grounds of [...] race […]or any other form of discrimination or unacceptable reference’.”
Bell Pottinger is reportedly bound to the PRCA's charter.
Then, depending on whether there is substantive prima facie evidence, PRCA will either refer the matter to a Committee or proceed with disciplinary procedures, the DA said.
The party also announced that the DA Abroad will hold a picket outside the former Gupta PR firm’s offices in London on Friday.
They will then hand over a memorandum demanding that all profits from Gupta business deals be put towards building schools or any developmental non-government organisations in South Africa.
“Sowing racial divisions in our country, which will have lasting implications on the social fabric of our society, cannot be allowed to stand.
“Those responsible must be held accountable for this damaging campaign and the DA will continue to ensure this is done.”