11 April 2009
The African National Congress (ANC) has noted the unwarranted attacks on Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers by the Democratic Alliance (DA) for publicly supporting the ANC.
The self-styled so called defenders of constitutional democracy are now mounting a vicious campaign against De Villiers by mobilising rugby clubs in the Western Cape to speak against the Springbok coach. This has - once again - demonstrated and exposed the DA of how low they are prepared to stoop in undermining De Villers's democratic right of political association which is protected in the Constitution.
Having fought against tyranny and dictatorship to usher in democracy in South Africa, the ANC will continue to defend the rights of De Villiers and any South African, to enjoy freedom to endorse any political party in the run-up to the 22 April elections. The DA's persistent and consistent actions to deny citizens their rights signals the party's determination to take the country back to the dark days of dictatorship.
De Villiers is a South African citizen who should enjoy all rights as contained in the Constitution. The fact that he is a Springbok rugby coach does take away his right to make a political choice. He has chosen to support democracy and not a dictatorial DA which continues to run a divisive election campaign. We applaud De Villiers for his stance and call on all South Africans to rally behind him.
Issued by:
Jessie Duarte
National Spokesperson
African National Congress
Enquiries:
Brian Sokutu 071 671 6919
Ishmael Mnisi 082 333 5550