Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa has announced intentions to take legal action against the Democratic Alliance (DA) for their political advertisement that depicted the burning of the South African flag.
Zizi Kodwa blasts DA for burning South African flag in new political ad
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On Monday, 6 May 2024, Minister Kodwa expressed his strong condemnation of the DA’s latest political advertisement, which graphically portrays the South African flag being set on fire.
Kodwa labelled the act as “abhorrent and unpatriotic,” criticising the use of national symbols in such a negative context within election campaigning.
“The desecration of national symbols should not be part of election campaigning and should not be tolerated in any instance. We are taking steps to ensure that there are consequences for such actions. It is our duty to ensure the protection of our national symbols which are a product of our hard-earned democracy,” Kodwa said.
Kodwa has tasked his legal team and advisors within the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to urgently explore governmental recourse to address and possibly penalise the misuse of national symbols.
President Cyril Ramaphosa weighs in on controversial ad
Echoing Kodwa’s disapproval, President Cyril Ramaphosa denounced the DA’s advertisement as “treasonous,” and a grotesque show of disregard for the sacred role the flag plays in representing national unity and sovereignty.
Speaking from Mokopane, Limpopo, Ramaphosa described the advertisement’s imagery as “a deeply despicable political act,” particularly egregious during an election campaign.
“It is a deeply despicable political act, particularly egregious during an election campaign. It signals a willingness to destroy the very fabric of South Africa,” he added.
John Steenhuisen doubles down on burning South African flag
Contrary to the government’s stern response, DA leader John Steenhuisen defended the controversial advertisement.
During a campaign stop in East London, Steenhuisen argued that the burning flag was an allegory for the current state of South Africa, illustrating issues like economic downturn, failing infrastructure, and rising unemployment rates.
He claimed the ad serves as a stark depiction of the consequences of a potential ANC, EFF, and MK Party coalition, which he termed a “doomsday coalition.”
Despite widespread criticism and the looming threat of legal action, Steenhuisen stands by the advertisement, insisting it reflects the urgent need for change and the rescue of the nation from further decline.
