Violence and Homophobia of Joburg DA Candidate Unacceptable
This Union is astonished at the homophobic and other negative statements that have been made by the DA candidate for Johannesburg Ward 66, Mr Carlos da Rocha as reported in today's Star newspaper. Not only has he insulted minorities who are protected by our Constitution, but has also threatened Metro Police Officers with violence, many of whom are members of this Union.
If Mr da Rocha had taken the time to read the newspapers recently he would have seen that there has been a great deal of public outrage expressed at the continuing incidence of ‘corrective rape'. Meaning the gang rape of those who have been brave enough to acknowledge their sexual orientation.
We and at least four other unions have stated that corrective rape must be tackled by the police and courts accordingly, and that negative homophobic language and attitudes, as personified by Mr da Rochas statements, must be tackled, and exposed as being discriminatory and divisive. A Councillor is supposed to unite communities, not divide them along prejudicial lines.
We are also shocked at his statement that he wanted to use violence against Metro Police Officers because he was fined for not wearing a seat belt. Is the DA candidate above the law? Does he propose that his prospective constituents use violence against police officers? Revealingly, the report in the newspapers also shows Mr da Rocha in military fatigues and bearing arms.
He says in the interests of charity work. What our society does not need are individual vigilantes who take the law into their own hands, and who glorify the use of firearms. Too many people have already been lost to us because firearms were available. We need councillors who can provide leadership that resolves challenges without recourse to arms, or attitudes that reinforce division.
Recent sightings of Mr da Rocha indicate that he was seen to be carrying a hand gun. Mr da Rocha has admitted that he has received anger management training, and the fact that DA Gauteng MPL Mr Jack Bloom admits to mentoring Mr da Rocha points to a clear conclusion. Is this the type of prospective councillor the DA wishes to present to the electorate of Ward 66?
Mr da Rocha is a candidate who is wholly inappropriate to represent the people of Ward 66, though they are drawn from varied and diverse backgrounds, manage to live in relative peace and harmony despite the many pressures they face. The people of Ward 66 need Mr da Rocha like a blazing fire needs gasoline! The DA is doing the people of Ward 66 and this city a complete disservice by fielding Mr da Rocha.
What a contrast to the ANC candidate Mr Keith Peacock, who has a proven record of public service, a reputation for community building and a humble and yet effective problem solving approach. The people of Ward 66 need a community builder not an unguided missile and we urge them to vote ANC on May 18th.
Statement issued by Steve Faulkner, SAMWU's International and Equality Officer, May 13 2011
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