Democratic Alliance Embroiled in Controversy: Lizelle Strydom’s Appointment Raises Questions
The Democratic Alliance (DA) once again puts itself under scrutiny for what appears to be a gross oversight—or a deliberate act of endorsement—in appointing Lizelle Strydom to an official position (she is noted as a Ward Committe Member of Ward 7 in the Saldanha Bay Municipality on the Municipality’s website. Strydom, whose name became synonymous with racial controversy in 2015 after her inflammatory remarks about Black South Africans in Hopefield, is currently embroiled in a contentious battle that seems to enjoy the protection of the DA-led Saldanha Bay Municipality, the DA-appointed Mayor, and the DA-appointed Ward Councillor. The implications are damning, raising serious concerns about the DA’s commitment to the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and justice.
𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘆
In 2015, Lizelle Strydom made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Then a tourism official for the West Coast, she was quoted as saying, “We have no squatter camps here, but when the mine comes, the bantus will come.” The statement, laden with racial undertones, sparked public outrage and ultimately forced Strydom to resign. Her remarks were seen as a blatant display of racism, perpetuating stereotypes and deepening divisions in a country already grappling with its painful apartheid legacy.
In the ruling in West Coast Environmental Protection Association v Minister Of Water And Sanitation and Others (WT01/17/WC) [2021] ZAWT 8 (5 October 2021), handed down in Pretoria on 12 November 2021 by Adv. Ntika Maake, Chairperson of the Panel and of the Water Tribunal, the reported appeal noted the following:
The only written reasons advanced by some members of WCEPA in objecting to the mine operations are based on racism.[55] In a Sunday Times article dated 15 March 2015 titled “Uproar over “bantus” moving in on West Coast hamlet”, a tourism official for the region Ms. Lizelle Strydom was forced to resign after she refused to retract her claim that development of the mine would attract black people. It was reported that Ms. Lizelle Strydom who uses the old South African flag as her Facebook profile picture said as follows “ We have no squatter camps here, but when the mines comes, the bantus will come.”
This statement is not only racist but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The use of the term “bantus” is particularly egregious, as it is a derogatory term that was used during apartheid to dehumanize and marginalize black people.
The Tribunal ruling also notes that Strydom’s objections to the mine, along with those of Mr. van der Westhuizen and Ms. Lawrence, were based on racial considerations and violated sections 9 and 10 of the South African Constitution, which guarantee equality and human dignity. Additionally, their statements were found to be in violation of section 12 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗔?
Fast forward to today, and Strydom is at the center of another controversy. This time, she is reportedly receiving what appears to be tacit protection and support from the DA-led Saldanha Bay Municipality. The involvement of the DA-appointed Mayor and Ward Councillor in her current battle—details of which remain deeply troubling—has cast a shadow over the party’s supposed commitment to fair governance and ethical leadership.
The DA’s actions (or inactions) in this matter beg the question: How could a party that touts itself as a champion of non-racialism and equality not only overlook Strydom’s controversial past but actively empower her with an official position? The implications are clear—either the DA failed to conduct due diligence, or it knowingly chose to turn a blind eye to her history.
𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
Despite mounting outcry, the DA leadership has remained notably silent on the matter. This silence is deafening and speaks volumes about the party’s priorities. Is the DA willing to compromise its foundational values for political expediency? And what message does this send to the diverse communities it claims to represent?
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀
This appointment is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a broader systemic failure within the community of Hopefield. The party’s apparent inability—or unwillingness—to address allegations undermines its credibility and alienates its voter base.
Moreover, the involvement of the Saldanha Bay Municipality and DA officials in shielding Strydom raises concerns about governance and accountability. Are public resources and positions being used to protect individuals with questionable pasts at the expense of justice and progress?
𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
It is imperative that the DA leadership addresses this issue with urgency. At the very least, this involves:
– Conducting a thorough investigation into Lizelle Strydom’s appointment and the circumstances surrounding it.
– Holding accountable any officials who may have facilitated or condoned her appointment despite her history.
– Providing a clear and public explanation to South Africans about how this was allowed to happen.
South Africa, Saldanha Bay Municipality and Hopefield deserve better from its political leaders. The DA’s handling of current matters will undoubtedly be a litmus test for its commitment to ethical governance and racial equality. If the party fails to act decisively, it risks alienating not only its core supporters but also the broader electorate, who are watching closely.
The ball is now in the DA’s court. Will it rise to the occasion or falter under the weight of its contradictions?
https://www.timeslive.co.za/…/2015-03-20-uproar-over…
#communitypolitics #hopefield #DA# StopPowerGrab #SaldanhaBayMunicipality #SBM #GoodGovernance #RacismIsAPublicHealthCrisis
Check in for our follow ups to this post, the first related to the complaint lodged against the Sunday Times by Lizelle Strydom.
