Racism video by Renaldo Gouws: South Africa suspends MP for racist remarks

A South African MP has been suspended from his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), after a series of old video clips resurfaced online in which they used violent, racist language against black voters.

Renaldo Gouws said one of the videos was doctored, only denying this in a prosecutor’s statement released on Thursday, saying it was “real and not fake.”

In the video, Mr Gouws, who took the oath of office for parliament last week, repeatedly uses a local insult usually reserved for black Africans, along with the N-word, and calls on them to kill black pipos.

This move is bad for President Cyril Ramaphosa as he is in the process of forming a new coalition government with the DA.

After taking office for their second full term as president on Wednesday, no agreement was reached on the distribution of ministerial posts between their own African National Congress (ANC) and the DA and three smaller parties.

In last month’s elections, the ANC failed to win a majority for the first time since the end of the racist apartheid system in 1994.

The centre-right DA, the second largest party in South Africa, faces accusations of racism from critics who say the party wants to protect the interests of the white minority – and denies this accusation.

The public prosecutor says Oga Gouws will face “disciplinary measures”.

Earlier this week, an old video clip showed Mr Gouws making racist remarks.

The video suggests that white Pipos are subjected to reverse apartheid.

E tok says: “If Africa disappears from the scene, no one will notice.”

More than 40,000 Pipo have signed an online petition calling for his removal as MP.

On Monday, after the first clip came out, the 41-year-old claimed he was not racist and apologized to X, saying he had acted in a “crass” and “hostile” manner.

“I reject all accusations of racism or racism. However, I do not see how my message is received in the manner in which I deliver it and I take full responsibility for the actions of my younger and immature self,” he said.

DA leader John Steenhuisen defends Oga Gouws, but this is never clear unless you see the latest video of Oga Gouws telling them to kill black pipos.

Senior DA official and former party leader Helen Zille told local media on Wednesday: “Such language is indefensible and unacceptable. I see no way in which such offensive language can be justified.”

Oga Gouws is a former councillor for Nelson Mandela Bay’s Second District and a popular social media personality who repeatedly courts controversy.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it would take legal action against Mr Gouws “over alleged racist comments in online media posts”.

In a statement shared on X, the SAHRC concludes that the MPs’ comments “constitute hate speech and/or harassment.”

“Due to Oga Gouw’s position as a Member of Parliament, his alleged actions carry even greater weight and responsibility.”

The coalition between long-time rivals ANC and DA, officially calling itself the Government of National Unity, has been sharply criticized by some since its announcement last week.

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who founded the party and left the ANC in 2013, condemned the agreement.

“We do not agree to this pact marriage, which is intended to strengthen the monopoly position of the whites in the economy and means of production of South Africa.”

Former President Jacob Zuma and founder of the MK movement, which came third in the last election, shares this view.

He says there is no goal of national unity for South Africa and describes the partnership as a “white-led unholy alliance between the DA and Ramaphosa’s ANC”.

The South African business community largely welcomes the coalition government and hopes that it will bring economic stability.

In his inaugural speech, President Ramaphosa promised to ensure economic growth, create jobs and reduce inequality in the country.