ActionSA Strongly Condemns Racist Remarks Made By Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor Timothy Denny
Statement by Cllr Michael Basch
ActionSA Ekurhuleni Caucus Whip
ActionSA is appalled by the conduct of Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 106 Councillor, Timothy Denny, who is facing serious allegations of racism after a disturbing video surfaced on WhatsApp. In the video, Councillor Denny is allegedly heard saying he “just hunted the Black people” and proposes the use of tear gas to disperse them.
Such remarks are not only deplorable but are in direct violation of the principles enshrined in our Constitution – particularly the values of dignity, equality, non-racialism, and the rule of law. It is unconscionable that any public representative would utter such hateful and divisive language.
Councillor Denny was expected to appear before the Equality Court in Palm Ridge on 3 April 2025 but failed to do so. The matter has since been referred to the South African Human Rights Commission, with a follow-up progress date scheduled for 5 June 2025.
This is not an isolated incident. The Democratic Alliance has a troubling history with issues of racism.
Former DA Councillor Danie Putter of Ward 25 in Ekurhuleni was previously dismissed after being found guilty of similar conduct. These repeated occurrences raise serious concerns about the DA’s commitment to non-racialism and accountability.
ActionSA remains unequivocal in our commitment to building a non-racial South Africa. We believe that every political party must take active steps to root out racism within its ranks. As ActionSA, we call on the DA to take immediate and decisive disciplinary action against Councillor Denny, and to reflect seriously on the systemic failure that allows such behaviour to fester within its structures.
South Africa deserves better. Racism has no place in our society or in our democratic institutions.
ActionSA Strongly Condemns Racist Remarks Made By Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor Timothy Denny
ActionSA is appalled by the conduct of Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 106 Councillor, Timothy Denny, who is facing serious allegations of racism after a disturbing video surfaced on WhatsApp. In the video, Councillor Denny is allegedly heard saying he “just hunted the Black people” and proposes the use of tear gas to disperse them.
Such remarks are not only deplorable but are in direct violation of the principles enshrined in our Constitution – particularly the values of dignity, equality, non-racialism, and the rule of law. It is unconscionable that any public representative would utter such hateful and divisive language.
Councillor Denny was expected to appear before the Equality Court in Palm Ridge on 3 April 2025 but failed to do so. The matter has since been referred to the South African Human Rights Commission, with a follow-up progress date scheduled for 5 June 2025.
This is not an isolated incident. The Democratic Alliance has a troubling history with issues of racism.
Former DA Councillor Danie Putter of Ward 25 in Ekurhuleni was previously dismissed after being found guilty of similar conduct. These repeated occurrences raise serious concerns about the DA’s commitment to non-racialism and accountability.
ActionSA remains unequivocal in our commitment to building a non-racial South Africa. We believe that every political party must take active steps to root out racism within its ranks. As ActionSA, we call on the DA to take immediate and decisive disciplinary action against Councillor Denny, and to reflect seriously on the systemic failure that allows such behaviour to fester within its structures.
South Africa deserves better. Racism has no place in our society or in our democratic institutions.