Cape Town — A petition on social media has garnered 10 000 votes calling for the removal of newly-sworn-in uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament (MP), Andile Mngxitama, from Parliament.
The petition comes after a video taken five years ago at a Black First Land First (BFLF) event where Mngxitama made threatening statements against white people. He is accused of perpetuating hate speech and can be heard saying white men, women and children must be killed.
“As deeply concerned citizens, we are raising our voices in strong opposition to the candidacy of Andile Mngxitama for a seat in the South African parliament,” the petition read.
The petition said it was distressing to have such a controversial figure in a position of power and it could have dire consequences, notably for racial tensions.
“We implore you to disqualify Andile Mngxitama from parliament: sign this petition and join our fight for a safer, more respectful, and inclusive South Africa.”
Meet Andile Mngxitama. Andile is a new Member of Parliament in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/4z8KWcGdG4
— Skye (@SkyeZedA) June 25, 2024
According to TimesLIVE, Mngxitama, at the time, said he was reacting to businessman Johann Rupert’s remarks that he had an army in the taxi industry should “those red guys come”. Rupert was believed to be referring to the EFF. He said the clips were taken out of context.
SABC News reported him saying: “AfriForum took me to the Equality Court and the matter was dismissed. The court was able to see the context in which I made that statement. I was responding to Johann Rupert who had said in an interview that he has a private army in the taxi industry.”
“Now in the taxi industry our people get killed and murdered – children, women indiscriminately and here is this man who is threatening violence upon black people.” he added.
Mngxitama says he is not concerned about the calls for his removal from Parliament as he was previously exonerated for his remarks by the Equality Court.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has expressed his support for the petition and said that this kind of behaviour can be seen as figurative speech and it is not acceptable.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@BLFmembers
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
