Masina issues stern warning to 'racists in Cape Town' over Zuma Must Fall sign

Durban – Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina has issued a stern warning to the “racists in Cape Town” who erected a large sign reading 'Zuma Must Fall' on Friday.

Introducing President Jacob Zuma at the president's official residence in Durban, where Zuma, in his capacity as the patron of the Jacob Zuma Foundation, was bidding farewell to 19 students who are going to study at the American University of Nigeria, in Nigeria.

Masina said: "To those racists in Cape Town erecting boards, undermining the democracy we fought for, I want to say that the anger of South Africans is building up to boiling point.

“And if they [racists] are not careful, they will go down in history having caused unnecessary tensions because the ANC-led government fought for a non-racial country and we will continue to do that.

“But [there are] those few individuals who continue to be racist to the point that they have money, but instead of supporting students, they insult the leader of the republic. We want to warn them that our patience is running out,” said Masina.

Contravenes outdoor ad by-law

The large 'Zuma Must Fall' sign was erected in Cape Town on Friday morning. It hugs one side of a block of flats at the top of Long Street, on the corner of Kloof and Buitensingel streets.

Spokesperson for the City of Cape Town, Priya Reddy, said the billboard did not comply with the Outdoor Advertising and Signage by-law and the person responsible would be prosecuted.

It was also erected in contravention of the National Building Regulations and Standards Act, she said, adding that the signage covered windows, which was not allowed. Its size was also an issue.

Tongues were wagging on Friday as to who erected the billboard. The DA said it was not responsible.

Reddy told News24 the city knew who the individual responsible was. "This person has done this before and we prosecuted him before. The day before he was supposed to appear in court, he paid the fine," she said.

This article first appeared on News24 – see here.