Mayor Dan Plato is at the center of a political storm following his comments that 99% of people who moved to the Western Cape were unable to fend for themselves.
Plato was recorded just before the start of a community meeting in Westridge, Mitchells Plain.
Apparently, videographer, Wesley Fester’s camera and microphone were recording when Plato was in conversation with an attendee who had asked him a question on economic development.
In the video Plato says “99% of those coming into the Western Cape, the two of us pay for them, they can’t fend for themselves. Lots and lots of our budgets go to them, unfortunately, and that is a challenge,” Plato says.
Mayor Plato has however said his comments were taken out of context, “My comment to the media is that it was a 20-minute conversation, there was much more to the video.”
Social Justice Coalition’s general secretary Axolile Notywala said statements made by Plato were factually incorrect and demanded that Plato be made accountable for these statements.
“He says 99% of people can’t fend for themselves. Who are these people? If he’s talking budget he must show us. As someone who holds public office Plato needs to explain himself,” Notywala said.
ANC provincial acting chairperson Khaya Magaxa said Plato was further dividing the population with his apartheid-era tactics.
“Influx control was strict in the Western Cape during apartheid, and people were forced to stay in reserves in the Eastern Cape and Transkei. Plato’s thinking is part of the old regime, and supports segregation,” Magaxa said.
ANC Western Cape secretary Faiez Jacobs said the mayor continues marginalising the people.
More: IOL