Activist Mandisa Mashego argues that petitions alone will not lead to an MP being removed from office.
Her statement came after Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Lenard Gaus apologised for a controversial video which sparked allegations of racism.
The newly sworn-in lawmakers are facing backlash after a 2009 video resurfaced in which they make critical comments about the African National Congress (ANC) government.
A petition calling for his removal from his position is gaining momentum, with around 30,000 signatures.
The DA is yet to react to this development.
Mashego explains how the law works in cases like this: “Whether or not you believe I made racist comments, if I am a member of parliament, a member of the legislature or a member of parliament, the reality is that the electoral law does not allow for a petition to remove me from office…”
“It's really important that South Africans start to understand these issues,” Mashego adds.
Podcast | Full interview with Mandisa Mashego on SAFM's First Take:
Social media reactions to Gouse's apology:
Some of the videos I posted 16 years ago (2009) when I was still a student have been recycled and posted on social media over the past few days.
I mentioned this snippet in 2016 and again in 2020 when I was approached by the media after it was posted on social media…
— Namra Gouws 🇿🇦 (@RenaldoGouws) June 17, 2024
Although the word “racist” has lost its meaning in this country, I firmly believe that anyone who falsely accuses another person of being a “racist” or a “racist” should be heavily fined, or at least be punished in some way, for damaging the reputation of the person they falsely accuse.
— Namra Gouws 🇿🇦 (@RenaldoGouws) June 16, 2024
I don't think we need to fire Renaldo Gauss because we need a daily reminder of how vile and racist the DA really is. Renaldo shatters the illusion that liberals are tolerant, which they are not. They use kind words but still think black people are trash https://t.co/LhPaLCV5dE
— Fakamile Hulbi Majora (@phakxx) June 17, 2024
Renaldo Gouws is also homophobic https://t.co/IBp92KRGN8
— Dan Corder 📺 (@DanCorderOnAir) June 17, 2024
This single video, filmed 15 years ago, does not do justice to the charm of Lenard Gauss.
After watching a lot of his recent videos, I realized he is such an angry, vile man. Yes, I signed the petition. https://t.co/dyRoIkaQV0
— Lynette Engelbrecht (@Lynette_SA) June 17, 2024