The DA vs De Lille saga should be a cause for concern for the party as many persons of colour are awaiting the outcome with interest.
The ultimate findings of the disciplinary hearing against Patricia de Lille (whose hearing was postponed to Thursday, when when the decision on whether it will be open to the media will be announced. The DA charged her with contravening the federal constitution of the party and she has also been accused of misconduct) could come at a cost for the DA.
Many want to believe she is innocent, as she maintains, as it would be strange for someone who has been a fierce opponent of corruption in the past to find herself in such a dilemma.
I am glad she is fighting tooth and nail to hold on to her position and to restore her reputation as there might very well be sinister reasons for the DA’s battle to get her removed from her seat.
Perceived to be a very hands-on mayor during the water crisis and other issues that required intervention, it would be a huge disappointment to many if the mayor was to be found guilty of these charges as she holds a certain trust among coloured communities.
It also remains sad to see how often strong, outspoken women in positions of power in politics are being attacked for merely doing their jobs without fear or favour given the patriarchal nature of domestic politics.
I hope the DA is aware of the impact their persecution against De Lille will have on the general perception of the party among persons of colour.
The coloured vote is a significant factor in elections, especially in light of the particular race dynamics of the Western Cape.
Should De Lille therefore be found to be innocent, coloured communities will start to re-evaluate whether the DA can truly be a home for all in the Western Cape and shed its “white dominance” image among non-white communities.
Sheronica Martin
Blackheath