The FF Plus has strongly condemned the appointment of EFF regional leader and councillor Obakeng Ramabodu as a mayoral committee member responsible for environmental and agriculture management in the City of Tshwane.
According to FF Plus councillor Grandi Theunissen, the move is seen as a slap in the face for Afrikaners, particularly given Ramabodu's history of making racist and inflammatory remarks during council meetings.
Ramabodu was recently appointed by Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya as part of her 10-member mayoral committee, which includes five ANC members, two ActionSA members, a Good Party councillor and another EFF councillor.
Theunissen said his appointment has raised concerns due to his previous threats to draw "Afrikaner blood" during a council sitting, which led to him being reported to the Human Rights Commission.
He expressed doubts about Ramabodu's ability to serve the best interests of all Tshwane residents, citing his history of hatred towards white people, especially Afrikaners.
In July, both Ramabodu and FF Plus were embroiled in a racial row after he threatened to draw ‘Afrikaner blood’ during a council meeting.
He was subsequently reported at the Human Rights Commission where FF Plus wanted him to be probed for making hate speech on a public platform against the Afrikaans-speaking people and violation of their human rights.
Ramabodu subsequently apologised for his remarks, saying he was provoked by some councillors and that his controversial remarks were taken out of context.
Theunissen said: “Although the new ActionSA Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, describes her mayoral committee as ‘politically sensitive’, Ramabodu's appointment as mayoral committee member for environmental affairs and agriculture is ill-considered in the FF Plus’ view.”
He said while Ramabodu “has since apologised for his rash statements before the Human Rights Commission, but it is doubtful whether he truly had the best interests of all Tshwane residents at heart”.
He highlighted Ramabodu's involvement in vandalising council property during a protest by security workers.
“He is also notorious for his violent behaviour; he was personally involved in vandalising council property during a protest by security workers,”he said.
As far as Theunissen is concerned, it was absolutely unacceptable to allow someone who is openly hostile towards a large part of the community to hold a leadership office in the metro.
“As an opposition party, the FF Plus will ensure that the new mayoral committee serves the interests of all the metro's residents,”he said.
Pretoria News