Mashaba became infected by EFF, says IRR
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has welcomed the resignation by Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba on Monday.
The IRR believes the city's success does not depend on an individual.
"Even resignations by prominent members like Mr Mashaba should not detract any political party. I think it becomes a very dangerous situation when parties become dependent more on personalities than principles," says the institute's Herman Pretorius.
In a sudden move, Mashaba announced his resignation from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and as the city’s first citizen following the election of former Western Cape Premier Helen Zille as the new chair of the DA’s federal council on Sunday.
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His decision follows the election of former Western Cape Premier Helen Zille as the new chair of the DA's federal council on Sunday. Two weeks prior to the announcement of the new federal council chair, Mashaba warned he would leave the party if "right-wing elements" started influencing the party.
Recently the IRR showed public support towards Zille's intentions to run for the position but Pretorius denies claims that the IRR colluded with ZiIlle in dismantling the current DA leadership structure.
"At no point was there any form of a collusion to take over the DA or establish a new DA."
Instead he accuses Mashaba of selling out to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
"I think he sold out on some vital principles. I think that his focus became affected by the ideological partnership with the EFF and I think there was dangerous early signs of infection in terms of racial national politics.
"When that becomes part of a politician’s rhetoric, it is the most dangerous of signs," he adds.
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