Suspended DA MP Renaldo Gouws Returns as Deputy Spokesperson in Parliament

The Democratic Alliance (DA) faces scrutiny over the appointment of Renaldo Gouws as deputy spokesperson amid ongoing investigations into his past racist remarks. Renaldo Gouws, a suspended member of Parliament (MP) from the Democratic Alliance (DA), has been appointed as the deputy spokesperson for two key portfolios – Tourism and the Auditor General. This decision comes as investigations continue into racist remarks Gouws made several years ago.

The appointment was disclosed in a list of portfolio spokespersons released by the DA on Monday. Last month, the party suspended Gouws from party activities following an exposé by IOL, which confirmed the authenticity of a video where Gouws can be heard making highly offensive and racist comments. Initially, the DA suspected the video might have been manipulated using AI, but they later verified its legitimacy.

In the controversial video, Gouws is heard saying, “Alright so there’s a couple of things I want to say. Kill the fing ks, kill all the fing nggers. That’s all I gotta f**ing say.” Despite the gravity of these remarks, the DA has defended his continued role as an MP, distinguishing between his suspension from party political duties and his responsibilities in Parliament.

George Michalakis, the DA’s chief whip in Parliament, explained that while the party has suspended Gouws from its political activities, this does not prevent him from performing his duties as an MP. “There is a split between party and State. This is in line with all cases in the past where members have been suspended from party political duties,” Michalakis stated. He clarified that Gouws will not perform his role as deputy spokesperson until the disciplinary hearing concludes, upholding the principle of due process and the rule of law.

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo further clarified that Gouws’ suspension pertains to the DA and not Parliament, emphasizing that it is up to the party to manage their internal processes.

In response to the backlash, Gouws has issued an apology, attributing his past remarks to immaturity and insisting that he is not a racist. However, this explanation has not quelled the controversy surrounding his appointment and the DA’s handling of the situation.

The DA’s decision to appoint Gouws as deputy spokesperson, even on a provisional basis, has sparked debate about accountability and the standards of conduct expected from public representatives. The outcome of the disciplinary hearing will ultimately determine Gouws’ future role within the party and his ability to fulfill his party duties.