KZN ANC CONDEMNS ANTI-INDIAN STATEMENT
1 May 2014
The African National Congress in KZN vehemently condemns and distances itself from the offensive anti-Indian statement attributed to Comrade Visvin Reddy in the media today. Cde Reddy was quoted as saying that Indians "whining" about the African National Congress-led government should leave South Africa and go to India and that Indians have not embraced democracy (see here).
As an organisation that promotes non- racialism as its core principle, we view Cde Reddy's utterances as totally uncalled for and not reflecting the principles of democracy. The ANC indeed needs the support of Indians and the organisation would never stoop to the level of those who voice their disrespectful sentiments about this community.
It is a blatant lie that the ANC and its government are not receiving support from the Indian community as we have in the past few months experienced an unprecedented growth in support for the ANC in this community. The ANC has an unstoppable momentum in the Indian community and this has been evidenced by scores of people who attended our inter-cultural festivals held in Phoenix, Chatsworth and Pietermaritzburg and pledged their support for the ANC.
The ANC scored a psychological victory by snatching a seat away from the Democratic Alliance during a recent by-election in Phoenix which was once unthinkable. We want to assure the Indian community that the ANC will continue to promote non- racialism and that we will continue to be the glue that holds our people together.
We therefore regret any offence that may have been caused by Cde Reddy's statement. The issue of his statement will be dealt with in the internal structures of the organisation. The ANC remains steadfast in its belief that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. So to continue reminding South Africans of the origins of Indian people is unwarranted and devoid of objective analysis.
Statement issued by ANC KZN Provincial Secretary Sihle Zikalala, May 1 2014
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