Statement

The ANC Veterans’ League is appalled and offended by the DA’s advert displaying the burning of the South African flag. Nothing can be more harmful to our constitutional democracy than such a display.  What makes matters even worse is the fact that the DA leadership of Ms Helen Zille and Mr John Steenhuizen can find it within themselves to defend such ill-considered conduct and not see the error of their ways.

Our South African flag holds immense significance as a symbol of unity, hope and resolve. Adopted on 27 April 1994, the same day as our first democratic elections, the flag marked the end of apartheid colonialism and heralded the beginning of a new era. The very flag they choose to burn represents the convergence of diverse elements into a unified nation.

Its design incorporates colours that symbolize different aspects and the coming together of our past and present and is a powerful reminder of our journey from division to unity; despair to hope and dehumanization to dignity. It embodies the spirit of forgiveness, resilience, and progress. When we see the flag, we are reminded of the struggles, suffering and the ultimate sacrifices of our forebears.

The DA professes to be a party that upholds the Constitution and its Bill of Rights. By this advert, the DA is disrespecting our Constitution and Bill of Rights that we have fought so hard for. 

We call on all South Africans to rise in defence of our flag and our Constitution. Let us over the next period, especially as we commemorate the inauguration speech of Nelson Mandela on 10 May 1994, display the South African flag on cars, windows, social media, T-shirts and so on. Let us reclaim and protect our flag as the symbol of the right to equality, dignity and freedom.

It was the ANC that was the driver and midwife of our new Constitution and it remains the only organisation that has foremost on its agenda the transformation of society to redress the imbalances created by colonialism and Apartheid.  There is no other political party that has a better claim to the changes that have taken place in South Africa.

The DA, on the other hand, is mainly an agglomeration of remnants of former members of white political parties from the old racist white establishment.  It does not stand a chance to ever enjoy majority support of the electorate, as it continues to pander to white racist interests.

Ends//

Issued on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the ANC Veterans’ League:

For media enquiries, contact:

• Snuki Zikalala (ANCVL President) 
  Tel: 082 561 3900
  
  
• Saul Pelle 
  Email: saulpelle@gmail.com or
  Tel: 076 194 4502