×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Kohler Barnard relegated to back benches of Parliament

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Dianne Kohler Barnard has been relegated to the back benches of Parliament following a racial scandal that has tarnished the party’s image.

Ms Kohler Barnard‚ who occupied a prominent position in the party as the DA’s spokeswoman for police‚ has become an ordinary MP‚ a senior DA insider said.

She has been replaced by her deputy Zakhele Mbhele. The DA released a statement on Saturday indicating changes to the shadow cabinet.

The DA has been in damage-control mode since the scandal broke this week. Ms Kohler Barnard shared a Facebook post by journalist Paul Kirk in which he claimed education‚ health and the police service were better during the days of apartheid era leader PW Botha.

The outspoken MP has since apologised saying that she did not read the post properly and deleted it immediately when she realised its contents.

But a DA insider said that “mistakes do happen‚ but unfortunately in politics when you make a mistake you have to pay“.

“She will become an ordinary MP... she made a mistake but we all know that she is not a racist‚” the insider said.

Her disciplinary hearing is yet to be scheduled.

In an interview with radio broadcaster 702 on Friday‚ Ms Kohler Barnard said she would not put up a fight if the party wanted her to resign. She said her actions might have damaged the party’s reputation and said that she would wait for the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.

The African National Congress (ANC) called for Ms Kohler Barnard to be fired saying she was an “apartheid advocate“.

“If the DA is serious about ridding itself of its public reputation as a refuge for racists and white supremacists still longing for the return of apartheid rule‚ it must not merely distance itself from its senior MP’s conduct but expel her from the party and Parliament‚” said the ANC chief whip’s spokesman‚ Moloto Mothapo.

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.