On this week's feature of the ‘Power of Words’, we analyse the words of Gayton McKenzie, the President of the Patriotic Alliance. McKenzie had quite a lot to say about the DA and how it ought to be seen by black people and people of colour.

Last week was arguably the most chaotic in the realm of politics. With parties marching to other parties’ headquarters, some taking others to court, the collapse of Council Meetings, and who can forget the infamous ousting of the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Mpho Phalatse?

One thing I have learned from all of this is that politics, simply put is a game of deception and manipulation. With the use of words, one can truly alter one’s perception of various issues. 

I’ve seen how words can be used for good. The greatest change has been achieved by some of the world's most notorious leaders using their words to spark some sort of change in one form, or another. Leaders like Martin Luther King and his "I had a dream speech" as well as the writings of Steve Biko have allowed black people to see the world as their oyster and worthy enough to take up space in anything they wish to.

Despite this, one cannot turn a blind eye to how words can also be harmful. Words can spew hate and create propaganda, but it is also through words that conversations are sparked. A conversation with Patriotic Alliance President, Gayton McKenzie proved this.

“The DA is the most racist party in the country”- Gayton McKenzie

I thought the best place to start for the ‘Power of Words’ would be to take a look at the statement made by PA President, Gayton McKenzie. 

One is not new to the political conflict between the PA and the Democratic Alliance (DA) that has recently emerged in what has been described by the PA as bullying from the DA.

This so-called “bullying” led to the betrayal of the PA’s initial relationship with the party and the formation of a new coalition consisting of the PA, Aljama-ah, and the African National Congress (ANC).

Speaking in retaliation to the conflict, McKenzie called the DA out on being an organisation that still has a white superiority complex adding that it is “the most racist party in the country”.

The validity of his argument can be debated but has caused one to remember that it is not uncommon for such an allegation to have been directed toward the DA. 

The official opposition has remained rather transparent regarding their origins but moreover have been quite firm in their stances against policies that many would perceive as pro-poor and pro-black.

With the rejection of policies like Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) as well as the opposition to the introduction of the Expropriation of Land without compensation, one could be led to believe that there could be a level of truth to what McKenzie has expressed.

Moreover, it’s essential that one truly understands that racism takes form in various ways. Gone are the days when racism presents itself in the most obvious of ways and blatant discrimination.

Racism has now taken the form of micro-aggressions and has become more systematic in its form and has now coined the term, institutional racism.

With the recent history of the DA showcasing the scapegoating and lack of support for their black and people of colour, one can easily see why they could potentially be viewed as racist.

Herman Mashaba, Patricia de Lille, and Mmusi Maimane are among the many people of colour who are placed under immense pressure and scrutiny within the organisation with very little support.

They have been among the lucky to have escaped the party but some have had to rebuild their reputation which was somewhat tarnished.

Many have compared the DA to the notorious movie “Get Out” in how the main character, a black man visits his white girlfriend’s family and is exposed to the strange nature of the family and their practices.

Sure, the comparison could be seen as rather extreme, but a few comparatives can be drawn here. 

Allow me to explain. Similar to how the film sees the transfer of the black man’s brain into the white man's body for his benefit, the DA has arguably done the same.

Under the leadership of Helen Zille, the DA has capitalised on their members that are people of colour in how that has enabled them to appeal to and garner the votes of the majority of the country's population, black people. 

Moreover, this has seen the use of these members until needed and their discardment when the party no longer finds them necessary.

One can believe that the lack of action or comment on issues that see black people as victims are enough to prove that they have little to no regard for them either.

The death of Mr. Mboneli Vesele saw no comment by the DA. This despite having condemned the alleged assassination attempt on Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter. 

Needless to say, one can argue that this speaks volumes to which citizens the party priorities. Whether that means that the party is indeed racist is arguable. 

With former Executive Mayor Mpho Phalatse having ambitions to challenge John Steenhuisen for his position of party leader soon, one can only imagine whether Phalatse will be among those who face more scrutiny and be placed under the political microscope because of the colour of her skin. 

Will she garner that much support from the party, or will that support come at a price?

Is there truth to the words of Gayton McKenzie, and if so, what does that mean for black voters going forward?