South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) has suspended MP Renaldo Gouws following an outcry over his “racist rants” that surfaced on social media shortly after his swearing-in.
The party confirmed the video’s authenticity, in which Gouws uses offensive language. Initially suspected to be fake, the video has led to Gouws being relieved of his duties immediately and facing disciplinary action before the party’s federal legal commission.
Gouws, a former Nelson Mandela Bay councillor, has been under scrutiny since becoming an MP. A video from 2009 resurfaced, where he discussed “reverse apartheid” and criticized then-President Jacob Zuma and then-ANC Youth Leader Julius Malema for singing racially charged songs.
In the latest video that emerged, Gouws is heard making highly offensive remarks about Black people, questioning the response if a white person advocated similar violence. The Africa Daily Post reported that Gouws implied the disappearance of Africa would go unnoticed by the world.
DA leader John Steenhuisen had previously defended Gouws, attributing his past comments to youthful indiscretion. Gouws claimed the controversial video was from his student days and expressed regret for the tone but denied being racist.
Despite his defense, the DA decided to suspend Gouws temporarily while investigating the charges within its internal disciplinary structures. Gouws is known for his controversial YouTube videos on racial issues and South African challenges, which often provoke strong reactions and debate.
