Ex-DA MP Renaldo Gouws Challenges His Party's Decision Amid Racism Allegations

Holifil

30 Mar, 2025

Former DA MP Renaldo Gouws is set to challenge the Federal Executive's decision to terminate his membership in the party.
The Federal Legal Commission found Gouws guilty of racism, leading to his suspension.
Gouws denies being racist, despite a viral video showing him making derogatory remarks towards Black people.

Former DA MP Renaldo Gouws refuses to accept his termination after being found guilty of racism. Images: @RenaldoGouws Source: Twitter

JOHANNESBURG — The ousted Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament, Renaldo Gouws, has made it clear that he won't back down without a fight. Gouws has vowed to challenge the DA Federal Executive's (FedEx) decision to expel him from the party. This move comes after a viral video resurfaced in June, where he was heard allegedly making racist remarks towards Black people.

The saga began when an old video from 15 years ago went viral, showing Gouws making what some interpreted as derogatory comments. Despite his denial of being racist, the Federal Legal Commission (FLC) found him guilty of the charges, leading to his suspension. The investigation into his conduct unfolded over several months, during which the DA still appointed him to a new parliamentary role in July. However, on Friday, September 13, FedEx announced the final outcome of the FLC's probe. The verdict? Immediate termination of his membership and severance of all party ties.

Renaldo Gouws Declares He Will Fight the DA's Decision

Renaldo Gouws, once a respected Nelson Mandela Bay councillor, found himself at the center of controversy when the video resurfaced. He insisted that his words had been taken out of context and that he was not a racist. Despite his defense, the DA decided to suspend him. Yet, even as the investigation continued, the party placed him in a new parliamentary role in July, leaving many scratching their heads. When FedEx delivered its final verdict on September 13, Gouws took to social media to express his frustration.

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In a fiery response on X, Gouws vowed to fight the decision. He wrote:

"I want to make one thing crystal clear: this is far from the end. I intend to explore every legal and ethical avenue to challenge this decision and restore my reputation. My dedication to my work and the people I serve remains unwavering."

"I strongly disagree with the findings of the FLC and the actions taken by FedEx. This decision is deeply disheartening, especially because I believe it fails to take into account the full context of my actions. It's frustrating that something I said 15 years ago, completely out of context, is now being held against me as if it happened yesterday."

The Reaction to Gouws' Exit: A Mixed Bag

Gouws' bold response sparked a variety of reactions online. While some supporters rallied behind him, others celebrated his departure. The public's reaction was nothing short of polarized, with opinions ranging from sympathy to outright disdain.

Briefly News highlights some of the most colorful responses from social media.

@Rebellium_Roets criticized the DA, saying:

"The DA is once again bending the knee to the extreme left. Weak and spineless—though, to be honest, not surprising."

@mogakabede chimed in, expressing relief:

"You're now free to join your friend @afriforum. I'm glad my hard-earned tax money won't be paying your salary anymore. You're fired, Gouws!"

@Seba_S_M added fuel to the fire:

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"I'm ecstatic to have played a part in your downfall, Renaldo. Racism has no place in this country—except in Orania. Go join them, boet."

MK Party Shakes Up Leadership: Arthur Zwane's Exit

In a related development, Briefly News reported that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) leader, Jacob Zuma, has shown senior party member Arthur Zwane the exit door—permanently this time. This marks the latest upheaval within the party, following Zwane's reinstatement as Secretary-General just under 30 days before his second ousting in August.

The MK Party's leadership shake-up reflects ongoing internal struggles, raising questions about stability and direction within the organization. As political dynamics continue to evolve, both Gouws and Zwane's situations serve as reminders of the complexities and challenges faced by political figures in South Africa today.