NICO DU PLESSIS -
Suspended Nelson Mandela Bay DA Councillor, Nico du Plessis, is being accused of allegedly promoting stereotypical thoughts.
Du Plessis, a Helenvale councillor is likely to know the outcome of a fraud case he was suspended for last year on Monday.
Du Plessis allegedly shared a Facebook post about a Nigerian who lived overseas and wanted to return home but his mother told him not to because he had contracted HIV.
The Nigerian’s mother in the post then begs him to never go back home and die alone because he would infect his wife which would eventually spread to the rest of the family and the village.
Contacted for comment, Du Plessis had no knowledge of the post.
“I haven’t posted anything. I don’t remember posting anything,” he said.
Speaking for the DA federal council meeting in Cape Town today, DA federal chairman and Bay mayoral hopeful Athol Trollip confirmed that the Facebook post had been brought to his attention.
“As you know, this councillor is already facing disciplinary action and this infraction will also be dealt with.
“This posting is certainly in very poor taste and promotes stereotypical thought. This and whether he breached (DA) social media policy will be investigated,” he said.
Axed DA councillor Knight Mali said the post was insensitive.
“Another stereotype comment by a DA councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay, this time about Nigerians – perpetuating xenophobia and racial bigotry, so insensitive and a mockery of a social-ill and stigma on people living with HIV and Aids.
“As South Africans we are all affected by HIV and Aids one way or the other. It’s a humanity struggle we must all fight and not mock about, least of all politicians” Mali said.
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