![Democratic Alliance To Remove Controversial Election Posters - SurgeZirc SA](https://surgezirc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gettyimages-1235726094-612x612-1.jpg)
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will remove its controversial election posters in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal SurgeZirc reports.
In a lead-up to the November municipal poll, the DA on Tuesday displayed controversial campaign posters with the caption: “The ANC called you racists. The DA calls you heroes.”
This however did not go down well with the opposition parties especially the ANC who vehemently condemned the posters and branded it as a racial slur and a desperate move.
The ANC said the posters were an attempt to divide the people and cause confusion amongst supporters.
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In response to the comments of the ANC, the DA said the posters were in no way portraying racial slurs but were in commemoration of those who stood up to protect their properties during the July unrest.
Recall that that during the July unrest, no fewer than 36 people lost their lives in the area in which some suspected individuals are still facing trial for murder charges.
However, the DA KZN chairperson Dean Macpherson has apologized stating that the party’s intentions were sincere.
READ MORE: Phoenix Election Posters: ANC Tag DA ‘Racist Organisation’
“At no point did I, nor the DA, and at no point would I or the DA ever condone or support those who undertook vigilante actions. In fact, I once again condemn those who undertook vigilante actions, which cost lives and damage to property. The DA is a party of non-racialism and it was never my intention to cause any other perception.
“My intended message was that in the massive void created by a failing state, unable to secure South Africans’ homes and businesses during the riots, some heroic residents were forced to stand up and do what the police and army were unable to do. This action was met with allegations of racism from the ANC.” He added.