Kimberley - A picture of Democratic Alliance supporters being transported on the back of a cattle truck has sparked an outcry on social media and an investigation by the party.
The picture was circulated on social media and the DA in the Northern Cape confirmed that it is investigating a matter relating to the transportation of their members in Prieska during Freedom Day celebrations in the area.
The picture was initially posted by expelled EFF member Ronald Februarie during the Freedom Day celebrations.
DA provincial leader Andrew Louw said the matter was brought to his attention after one of his colleagues saw it on social media.
“A colleague showed me the picture and I was also shocked when I saw it. We do not condone the manner in which the members were transported to the event. We have sent a team to investigate the details surrounding the matter.
“We were not aware that it was happening and when we saw the picture we were not sure whether it was taken in this province.
“We will compile a comprehensive report once the investigation is finalised and we will then decide on what action will be taken against those responsible,” Louw said.
According to Februarie the picture follows a campaign that he launched regarding the transportation of seasonal workers.
“I started a campaign whereby I highlight the inhumane manner in which seasonal workers are being transported by farm owners in the area.
“However, I was also shocked when I saw that the political party had no regard for their own members. One has to take into account that this is a party that says it will lead the people but yet they treat their own members in this manner,” he said.
He said he raised his concerns with the DA’s local leadership, but to no regard.
“After I discussed the issue with the party’s local leadership they told me that they do not see anything wrong with their actions. The matter then sparked media interest after the pictures were posted on social media.
“I hope that the DA’s provincial leadership will now do something about it,” Februarie said.
The DA said it would make an announcement on the findings of its investigation during a media conference later this week.
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