By Phenyo Selinda
The Nketoana Local Municipality in the Free State has formally initiated an investigation into the inflammatory remarks made by its Director of Corporate Services, Lisebo Motaung. The decision, welcomed and supported by the Democratic Alliance (DA), follows an alleged statement made by Motaung in a WhatsApp group for senior municipal management, where she reportedly said, “We are exposed to danger, we need guns, that’s all. The best is to kill the Boer.”
This statement, viewed by many as an incitement to violence, has been met with widespread condemnation, prompting the Nketoana Local Municipality Council to adopt a DA-led proposal for an independent investigation into Motaung’s conduct. The probe will be carried out in line with the regulations applicable to senior managers and the Code of Conduct for municipal staff members.
The DA’s Response
The DA has expressed its satisfaction with the Council’s decision to proceed with the investigation, highlighting the serious implications of Motaung’s remarks. In a joint statement, DA Councillors Diphapang Mofokeng, Anelia Smit, and Thinus Blignaut remarked, “The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision of the Nketoana Local Municipality Council to implement an investigation into the irresponsible and dangerous remarks made by the Director of Corporate Services, Lisebo Motaung. Motaung holds a position of influence and responsibility, so her actions must demonstrate that.”
The Councillors added, “We find such a statement, particularly from a senior official entrusted with serving the broader community, to be entirely unacceptable and highly irresponsible. We condemn any form of speech that promotes violence or discrimination.” The DA has already taken steps to report the incident to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a comprehensive investigation and has referred the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). “We will monitor this investigation and support all efforts to resolve this matter speedily,” they concluded.
Public Outrage and Civil Society Response
The comments attributed to Motaung have ignited a firestorm of criticism, not only within the political arena but also among civil society groups and the general public. AfriForum, a civil rights organization known for its advocacy on issues affecting Afrikaner communities, has called for Motaung’s immediate dismissal. Jacques Broodryk, spokesperson for AfriForum, labeled the remarks as “egregious and incendiary,” warning that they could exacerbate tensions within the already fragile social fabric of South Africa’s rural communities.
AfriForum has been particularly vocal about the implications of Motaung’s comments in the context of ongoing farm attacks, a contentious issue that continues to spark debate and concern across the country. The organization argues that such rhetoric, especially from a senior public official, has the potential to incite real-world violence, undermining efforts to foster social cohesion and peace. In a statement, Broodryk said, “Advocating violence, particularly in a country with a history as fraught as South Africa’s, is not only irresponsible but dangerous. Public officials have a duty to promote unity, not division.”
The Investigation Process
The investigation into Motaung’s conduct is expected to be thorough, with an independent panel being tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged remarks. This panel will assess whether Motaung’s comments constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct for municipal officials and whether they violated any laws pertaining to hate speech or incitement to violence.
Legal experts have suggested that if found guilty, Motaung could face severe consequences, including suspension or dismissal from her position. Additionally, the involvement of the SAHRC signals a broader inquiry into whether Motaung’s comments infringe upon the rights enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, particularly the right to dignity and the prohibition against hate speech.
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