DA condemns Jessica Leandra's racist tweets

The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the racist tweets by model Jessica Leandra in the strongest possible terms. 

Whenever a person - especially a ‘celebrity' - utters the ‘k-word' or another racial epithet they take us further away from the values of reconciliation espoused by the great Nelson Mandela. Racism of this kind can never be justified whatever the circumstances.

It is time that every South African understood the pain that colonialism and apartheid caused. Jessica Leandra's dehumanising language - so carelessly uttered and then retracted - re-opens deep wounds that are far from healed. 

A complaint against Ms Leandra has reportedly already been laid with the Human Rights Commission (HRC). The DA fully supports this complaint and hopes that the HRC will promptly act on it. 

We are encouraged by the overwhelming rejection of her comments on Twitter by South Africans of all races. Together, we can beat the evil of racism in our society and achieve real and lasting reconciliation.

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane, DA National Spokesperson, May 4 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter