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{{Short description|South African politician}}
{{Short description|South African politician (born 1985) and Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2014}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
| honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| name = Dean W. MacPherson
| name = Dean Macpherson
| honorific-suffix =
| honorific-suffix =
| image = Dean Macpherson (cropped).png
| image = Dean Macpherson 2024.jpg
| office = Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry
| office = [[Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure]]
| predecessor =
| president = [[Cyril Ramaphosa]]
| term_start = 3 July 2024<ref name="DMInitialSwearingin">{{cite news |title=Historic day for SA as government of national unity ministers take oath of office |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-03-historic-day-for-sa-as-government-of-national-unity-ministers-take-oath-of-office |publisher=Daily Maverick |date=3 July 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240703142348/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-03-historic-day-for-sa-as-government-of-national-unity-ministers-take-oath-of-office/ | archive-date = 2024-07-03 | url-status = live|access-date=3 July 2024}}</ref>
⚫
| term_start = 2014
| term_end =
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[Sihle Zikalala]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|2|2|}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|2|2|}}
| birth_place = [[Durban]], [[South Africa]]
| birth_place = [[Durban]], [[South Africa]]
Line 26: Line 26:
| religion =
| religion =
| signature =
| signature =
|website=
| website =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| caption = Macpherson in 2019
| caption =
| image_size = 200px
| image_size = 200px
| office2 = Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry
⚫
| termend2 = 2019
| termstart2 = 2017
}}
}}
'''Dean William Macpherson''' (born 2 February 1985) is a South African Member of Parliament for the Official Opposition, the [[Democratic Alliance (South Africa)|Democratic Alliance]] and Provincial Chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal. He served his first full term in the National Assembly from 2014 - 2019 and was re-elected to the National Assembly on [[2019 South African general election|8 May 2019]] to begin his second term.
'''Dean William Macpherson''' (born 2 February 1985) is a South African politician who is currently serving as [[Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure]] since June 2024. He is a Member of Parliament for the [[Democratic Alliance (South Africa)|Democratic Alliance]] and Provincial Chairperson in [[KwaZulu-Natal]]. Macpherson is from [[Durban]], KwaZulu-Natal and currently resides in [[Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal|Umhlanga]].


== Career ==
On the 27th of March 2021, he was elected as the Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal.
Macpherson served his first full term in the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019 and was re-elected to the National Assembly on [[2019 South African general election|8 May 2019]] to begin his second term. On the 27th of March 2021, he was elected as the Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal.


In 2020, he had a 64% committee attendance rate as a Member of Parliament (30 meetings out of 47).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dean William Macpherson|url=http://www.pa.org.za/person/dean-william-macpherson/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=People's Assembly|language=en}}</ref>
In 2020, he had a 64% committee attendance rate as a Member of Parliament (30 meetings out of 47).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dean William Macpherson |url=http://www.pa.org.za/person/dean-william-macpherson/ |access-date=2021-10-08 |website=People's Assembly |language=en}}</ref>


He was the Shadow Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry from 2014 to 2017 before being promoted to Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry from 2017 - 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.salabournews.co.za/index.php/component/content/article/70-labour-news/20114-job-losses-in-first-quarter-due-to-seasonal-factors-zuma.html |title=Job losses in first quarter due to seasonal factors: Zuma |work=South African Labour News |date=4 September 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124603/http://www.salabournews.co.za/index.php/component/content/article/70-labour-news/20114-job-losses-in-first-quarter-due-to-seasonal-factors-zuma.html |archive-date=6 October 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/businesstimes/2014/08/24/credit-watchdog-let-off-hook-in-parliament |title=Credit watchdog let off hook in parliament |work=[[The Sunday Times (South Africa)|The Sunday Times]] |author=Crotty, Ann |date=24 August 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014}}</ref>
He was the Shadow Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry from 2014 to 2017 before being promoted to Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry from 2017 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 September 2014 |title=Job losses in first quarter due to seasonal factors: Zuma |url=http://www.salabournews.co.za/index.php/component/content/article/70-labour-news/20114-job-losses-in-first-quarter-due-to-seasonal-factors-zuma.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124603/http://www.salabournews.co.za/index.php/component/content/article/70-labour-news/20114-job-losses-in-first-quarter-due-to-seasonal-factors-zuma.html |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014 |work=South African Labour News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Crotty, Ann |date=24 August 2014 |title=Credit watchdog let off hook in parliament |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/businesstimes/2014/08/24/credit-watchdog-let-off-hook-in-parliament |access-date=4 October 2014 |work=[[The Sunday Times (South Africa)|The Sunday Times]]}}</ref>

Macpherson is from [[Durban]], [[Kwa-Zulu Natal]] and currently resides in [[Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal|Umhlanga]].


From 2009 to 2014, Macpherson was the elected Ward Councillor for Durban North in the [[eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality|eThekwini]] Municipality where he served as the [[Chief Whip]] of the party until 2013.
From 2009 to 2014, Macpherson was the elected Ward Councillor for Durban North in the [[eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality|eThekwini]] Municipality where he served as the [[Chief Whip]] of the party until 2013.

He was appointed Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure in President [[Cyril Ramaphosa]]'s [[Third Cabinet of Cyril Ramaphosa|national unity government]]. He promptly announced a halt on spending on accommodation and office space for members of parliament, proposing that the money instead be spent on infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maliti |first=Soyiso |title='Those days are over': Public works minister to cut spending on accommodation for Cabinet members, MPs |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/those-days-are-over-public-works-minister-to-cut-spending-on-accommodation-for-cabinet-members-mps-20240704 |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==
On 7 October 2021, Macpherson issued a statement apologizing<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA removes KZN posters|url=https://www.da.org.za/2021/10/da-removes-kzn-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Democratic Alliance|language=en}}</ref> and explaining his role in the controversial<ref>{{Cite web|last=Masuabi|first=Queenin|title=DA apologises for controversial posters while ANC heads to the SAHRC|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/Politics/da-apologises-for-controversial-posters-while-anc-heads-to-the-sahrc-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Citypress|language=en-US}}</ref> creation and placement of "racist"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ndou|first=Clive|title=DA removes "racist" Phoenix posters|url=https://www.news24.com/witness/News/Durban/da-removes-racist-phoenix-posters-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Witness|language=en-US}}</ref> posters ahead of South Africa's 2021 Local Government Election.
On 7 October 2021, Macpherson issued a statement apologizing and explaining his role in the controversial creation and placement of "racist" posters ahead of South Africa's 2021 Local Government Election.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA removes KZN posters|url=https://www.da.org.za/2021/10/da-removes-kzn-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Democratic Alliance|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Masuabi|first=Queenin|title=DA apologises for controversial posters while ANC heads to the SAHRC|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/Politics/da-apologises-for-controversial-posters-while-anc-heads-to-the-sahrc-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Citypress|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ndou|first=Clive|title=DA removes "racist" Phoenix posters|url=https://www.news24.com/witness/News/Durban/da-removes-racist-phoenix-posters-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Witness|language=en-US}}</ref>


The two posters read in order "The ANC called you racists" and "The DA calls you heroes"<ref>{{Cite web|title=GARETH VAN ONSELEN: The DA’s Phoenix posters|url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/columnists/2021-10-07-gareth-van-onselen-the-das-phoenix-posters/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=BusinessLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref> and were erected in [[Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal]]. Phoenix was a hotspot for violence and racial tension during the [[2021 South African unrest]] with 36 people losing their lives<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA and ANC butt heads over 'racist v heroes' campaign posters in Phoenix|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2021-10-05-da-and-anc-butt-heads-over-racist-v-heroes-campaign-posters-in-phoenix/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=TimesLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref> during looting and acts of vigilantism that was largely based on racial profiling.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA posters dishonest and inflammatory|url=https://www.heraldlive.co.za/opinion/2021-10-07-da-posters-dishonest-and-inflammatory/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=HeraldLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='We feel so insulted' - Mom of boy killed in Phoenix hurt by DA 'heroes' poster|url=https://www.702.co.za/articles/429016/we-feel-so-insulted-mom-of-boy-killed-in-phoenix-hurt-by-da-heroes-poster|access-date=2021-10-08|website=702|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
The two posters read in order "The ANC called you racists" and "The DA calls you heroes" and were erected in [[Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal]]. Phoenix was a hotspot for violence and racial tension during the [[2021 South African unrest]] with 36 people losing their lives during looting and acts of vigilantism that was largely based on racial profiling.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GARETH VAN ONSELEN: The DA's Phoenix posters|url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/columnists/2021-10-07-gareth-van-onselen-the-das-phoenix-posters/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=BusinessLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=DA and ANC butt heads over 'racist v heroes' campaign posters in Phoenix|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2021-10-05-da-and-anc-butt-heads-over-racist-v-heroes-campaign-posters-in-phoenix/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=TimesLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=DA posters dishonest and inflammatory|url=https://www.heraldlive.co.za/opinion/2021-10-07-da-posters-dishonest-and-inflammatory/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=HeraldLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='We feel so insulted' - Mom of boy killed in Phoenix hurt by DA 'heroes' poster|url=https://www.702.co.za/articles/429016/we-feel-so-insulted-mom-of-boy-killed-in-phoenix-hurt-by-da-heroes-poster|access-date=2021-10-08|website=702|language=en-ZA}}</ref>


Ntwenhle Mhlongo, the mother of Sanele Mngomezulu, one of the victims who was killed in Phoenix, said they felt insulted by the DA's campaign in an interview with [[Radio 702]]:<blockquote>"As one of the Phoenix massacre victims, we feel so insulted by what the DA is saying... How can you call someone a hero, someone who just murdered someone in cold blood, who had no weapon?"<ref>{{Cite web|title='We feel so insulted' - Mom of boy killed in Phoenix hurt by DA 'heroes' poster|url=https://www.702.co.za/articles/429016/we-feel-so-insulted-mom-of-boy-killed-in-phoenix-hurt-by-da-heroes-poster|access-date=2021-10-08|website=702|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
Ntwenhle Mhlongo, the mother of Sanele Mngomezulu, one of the victims who was killed in Phoenix, said they felt insulted by the DA's campaign in an interview with [[Radio 702]]:<blockquote>"As one of the Phoenix massacre victims, we feel so insulted by what the DA is saying... How can you call someone a hero, someone who just murdered someone in cold blood, who had no weapon?"<ref>{{Cite web|title='We feel so insulted' - Mom of boy killed in Phoenix hurt by DA 'heroes' poster|url=https://www.702.co.za/articles/429016/we-feel-so-insulted-mom-of-boy-killed-in-phoenix-hurt-by-da-heroes-poster|access-date=2021-10-08|website=702|language=en-ZA}}</ref>


"As far as I know, a hero is someone who is saving the world, who is saving someone, who is protecting someone. How can you call a murderer a hero?"<ref>{{Cite web|last=podcasters|first=Omny Studio is the complete audio management solution for|last2=Stations|first2=Radio|title=Controversial Democratic Alliance election posters - The Clement Manyathela Show - Omny.fm|url=https://omny.fm/shows/mid-morning-show-702/controversial-democratic-alliance-election-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=omny.fm}}</ref></blockquote>In his statement, Macpherson admitted the posters were "unsanctioned"<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA removes KZN posters|url=https://www.da.org.za/2021/10/da-removes-kzn-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Democratic Alliance|language=en}}</ref> by the DA's leadership or party structures and arranged for the removal of the posters. He apologized for his role in the controversy by saying "...the posters have regretfully caused hurt to some people. I am deeply sorry and apologise for this."<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA removes KZN posters|url=https://www.da.org.za/2021/10/da-removes-kzn-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Democratic Alliance|language=en}}</ref>
"As far as I know, a hero is someone who is saving the world, who is saving someone, who is protecting someone. How can you call a murderer a hero?"<ref>{{Cite web|last1=podcasters|first1=Omny Studio is the complete audio management solution for|last2=Stations|first2=Radio|title=Controversial Democratic Alliance election posters - The Clement Manyathela Show - Omny.fm|url=https://omny.fm/shows/mid-morning-show-702/controversial-democratic-alliance-election-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=omny.fm}}</ref></blockquote>In his statement, Macpherson admitted the posters were "unsanctioned" by the DA's leadership or party structures and arranged for the removal of the posters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA removes KZN posters|url=https://www.da.org.za/2021/10/da-removes-kzn-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Democratic Alliance|language=en}}</ref> He apologized for his role in the controversy by saying "...the posters have regretfully caused hurt to some people. I am deeply sorry and apologise for this."<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA removes KZN posters|url=https://www.da.org.za/2021/10/da-removes-kzn-posters|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Democratic Alliance|language=en}}</ref>

Macpherson was further criticized in the media. Crispin Hemson, director at the International Centre of Non-violence at the Durban University of Technology, said the DA had exploited the situation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA posters irks Phoenix victim’s mother|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-10-07-da-posters-irks-phoenix-victims-mother/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=SowetanLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref>


An editorial in the [[Mail & Guardian]] labelled Macpherson as "The poster boy for whiteness"<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-07|title=Dean Mcpherson: The poster boy for whiteness|url=https://mg.co.za/opinion/2021-10-07-dean-mcpherson-the-poster-boy-for-whiteness/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref> and another article published by [[News24 (website)|News24]] claimed many people within Macpherson's own party objected to the posters and said that the controversy had caused a "DA revolt" with "guns blazing for Macpherson"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Zintle Mahlati, Jason Felix and Qaanitah|title=Phoenix election posters cause DA revolt, guns blazing for Macpherson|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/phoenix-election-posters-cause-da-revolt-guns-blazing-for-mcpherson-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=News24|language=en-US}}</ref> over the issue.
Macpherson was further criticized in the media. Crispin Hemson, director at the International Centre of Non-violence at the Durban University of Technology, said the DA had exploited the situation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DA posters irks Phoenix victim's mother|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-10-07-da-posters-irks-phoenix-victims-mother/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=SowetanLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref> An editorial in the [[Mail & Guardian]] labelled Macpherson as "The poster boy for white arrogance" and another article published by [[News24 (website)|News24]] claimed many people within Macpherson's own party objected to the posters and said that the controversy had caused a "DA revolt" with "guns blazing for Macpherson" over the issue.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-07|title=Dean Mcpherson: The poster boy for whiteness|url=https://mg.co.za/opinion/2021-10-07-dean-mcpherson-the-poster-boy-for-whiteness/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Zintle Mahlati, Jason Felix and Qaanitah|title=Phoenix election posters cause DA revolt, guns blazing for Macpherson|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/phoenix-election-posters-cause-da-revolt-guns-blazing-for-mcpherson-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=News24|language=en-US}}</ref>


The [[African National Congress|ANC]]'s provincial spokesperson [[Nhlakanipho Ntombela]] criticized the poster campaign and said, “The ANC calls on the citizens to strive to end racial exploitation by the DA that plays with their emotions."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Zintle Mahlati, Jason Felix and Qaanitah|title=Phoenix election posters cause DA revolt, guns blazing for Macpherson|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/phoenix-election-posters-cause-da-revolt-guns-blazing-for-mcpherson-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=News24|language=en-US}}</ref>
The [[African National Congress|ANC]]'s provincial spokesperson [[Nhlakanipho Ntombela]] criticized the poster campaign and said, “The ANC calls on the citizens to strive to end racial exploitation by the DA that plays with their emotions."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Zintle Mahlati, Jason Felix and Qaanitah|title=Phoenix election posters cause DA revolt, guns blazing for Macpherson|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/phoenix-election-posters-cause-da-revolt-guns-blazing-for-mcpherson-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=News24|language=en-US}}</ref> The ANC's deputy secretary-general [[Jessie Duarte]] welcomed the removal of the posters but said her party would still lay an official complaint with the [[South African Human Rights Commission]] (SAHRC). Duarte told journalists during a visit to Phoenix on 7 October 2021: “This is what we must undo, and it has given the perception that racism is okay and vigilantism is okay. The message as resonated will not go away easily. So, taking the posters down is a good thing but we will go ahead with the Human Rights Commission complaint.”<ref>{{Cite web|last=Masuabi|first=Queenin|title=DA apologises for controversial posters while ANC heads to the SAHRC|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/Politics/da-apologises-for-controversial-posters-while-anc-heads-to-the-sahrc-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Citypress|language=en-US}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
The ANC's deputy secretary-general [[Jessie Duarte]] welcomed the removal of the posters but said her party would still lay an official complaint with the [[South African Human Rights Commission]] (SAHRC). Duarte told journalists during a visit to Phoenix on 7 October 2021: “This is what we must undo, and it has given the perception that racism is okay and vigilantism is okay. The message as resonated will not go away easily. So, taking the posters down is a good thing but we will go ahead with the Human Rights Commission complaint.”<ref>{{Cite web|last=Masuabi|first=Queenin|title=DA apologises for controversial posters while ANC heads to the SAHRC|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/Politics/da-apologises-for-controversial-posters-while-anc-heads-to-the-sahrc-20211007|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Citypress|language=en-US}}</ref>
Macpherson is openly gay.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mambaonline.com/2017/06/13/proud-sas-openly-gay-mps/ | title=Out and proud &#124; Here are ten South African openly LGBTQ MPS | date=13 June 2017 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Democratic Alliance (South Africa) politicians]]
[[Category:Democratic Alliance (South Africa) politicians]]
[[Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa]]
[[Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2024–2029]]
[[Category:People from Durban]]
[[Category:Politicians from Durban]]
[[Category:Politicians from KwaZulu-Natal]]
[[Category:South African gay politicians]]
[[Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2019–2024]]
[[Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2014–2019]]

Latest revision as of 03:56, 25 November 2024

The Honourable
Dean Macpherson
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Incumbent
Assumed office
3 July 2024[1]
PresidentCyril Ramaphosa
Preceded bySihle Zikalala
Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry
In office
2017–2019
Personal details
Born (1985-02-02) February 2, 1985 (age 39)
Durban, South Africa
Political partyDemocratic Alliance

Dean William Macpherson (born 2 February 1985) is a South African politician who is currently serving as Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure since June 2024. He is a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance and Provincial Chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal. Macpherson is from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and currently resides in Umhlanga.

Career

[edit]

Macpherson served his first full term in the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019 and was re-elected to the National Assembly on 8 May 2019 to begin his second term. On the 27th of March 2021, he was elected as the Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal.

In 2020, he had a 64% committee attendance rate as a Member of Parliament (30 meetings out of 47).[2]

He was the Shadow Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry from 2014 to 2017 before being promoted to Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry from 2017 to 2019.[3][4]

From 2009 to 2014, Macpherson was the elected Ward Councillor for Durban North in the eThekwini Municipality where he served as the Chief Whip of the party until 2013.

He was appointed Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure in President Cyril Ramaphosa's national unity government. He promptly announced a halt on spending on accommodation and office space for members of parliament, proposing that the money instead be spent on infrastructure.[5]

Controversy

[edit]

On 7 October 2021, Macpherson issued a statement apologizing and explaining his role in the controversial creation and placement of "racist" posters ahead of South Africa's 2021 Local Government Election.[6][7][8]

The two posters read in order "The ANC called you racists" and "The DA calls you heroes" and were erected in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal. Phoenix was a hotspot for violence and racial tension during the 2021 South African unrest with 36 people losing their lives during looting and acts of vigilantism that was largely based on racial profiling.[9][10][11][12]

Ntwenhle Mhlongo, the mother of Sanele Mngomezulu, one of the victims who was killed in Phoenix, said they felt insulted by the DA's campaign in an interview with Radio 702:

"As one of the Phoenix massacre victims, we feel so insulted by what the DA is saying... How can you call someone a hero, someone who just murdered someone in cold blood, who had no weapon?"[13] "As far as I know, a hero is someone who is saving the world, who is saving someone, who is protecting someone. How can you call a murderer a hero?"[14]

In his statement, Macpherson admitted the posters were "unsanctioned" by the DA's leadership or party structures and arranged for the removal of the posters.[15] He apologized for his role in the controversy by saying "...the posters have regretfully caused hurt to some people. I am deeply sorry and apologise for this."[16]

Macpherson was further criticized in the media. Crispin Hemson, director at the International Centre of Non-violence at the Durban University of Technology, said the DA had exploited the situation.[17] An editorial in the Mail & Guardian labelled Macpherson as "The poster boy for white arrogance" and another article published by News24 claimed many people within Macpherson's own party objected to the posters and said that the controversy had caused a "DA revolt" with "guns blazing for Macpherson" over the issue.[18][19]

The ANC's provincial spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela criticized the poster campaign and said, “The ANC calls on the citizens to strive to end racial exploitation by the DA that plays with their emotions."[20] The ANC's deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte welcomed the removal of the posters but said her party would still lay an official complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). Duarte told journalists during a visit to Phoenix on 7 October 2021: “This is what we must undo, and it has given the perception that racism is okay and vigilantism is okay. The message as resonated will not go away easily. So, taking the posters down is a good thing but we will go ahead with the Human Rights Commission complaint.”[21]

Personal Life

[edit]

Macpherson is openly gay.[22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Historic day for SA as government of national unity ministers take oath of office". Daily Maverick. 3 July 2024. Archived from the original on 3 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Dean William Macpherson". People's Assembly. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Job losses in first quarter due to seasonal factors: Zuma". South African Labour News. 4 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  4. ^ Crotty, Ann (24 August 2014). "Credit watchdog let off hook in parliament". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  5. ^ Maliti, Soyiso. "'Those days are over': Public works minister to cut spending on accommodation for Cabinet members, MPs". News24. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  6. ^ "DA removes KZN posters". Democratic Alliance. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  7. ^ Masuabi, Queenin. "DA apologises for controversial posters while ANC heads to the SAHRC". Citypress. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  8. ^ Ndou, Clive. "DA removes "racist" Phoenix posters". Witness. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  9. ^ "GARETH VAN ONSELEN: The DA's Phoenix posters". BusinessLIVE. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  10. ^ "DA and ANC butt heads over 'racist v heroes' campaign posters in Phoenix". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  11. ^ "DA posters dishonest and inflammatory". HeraldLIVE. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  12. ^ "'We feel so insulted' - Mom of boy killed in Phoenix hurt by DA 'heroes' poster". 702. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  13. ^ "'We feel so insulted' - Mom of boy killed in Phoenix hurt by DA 'heroes' poster". 702. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  14. ^ podcasters, Omny Studio is the complete audio management solution for; Stations, Radio. "Controversial Democratic Alliance election posters - The Clement Manyathela Show - Omny.fm". omny.fm. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  15. ^ "DA removes KZN posters". Democratic Alliance. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  16. ^ "DA removes KZN posters". Democratic Alliance. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  17. ^ "DA posters irks Phoenix victim's mother". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  18. ^ "Dean Mcpherson: The poster boy for whiteness". The Mail & Guardian. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  19. ^ Hunter, Zintle Mahlati, Jason Felix and Qaanitah. "Phoenix election posters cause DA revolt, guns blazing for Macpherson". News24. Retrieved 8 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ Hunter, Zintle Mahlati, Jason Felix and Qaanitah. "Phoenix election posters cause DA revolt, guns blazing for Macpherson". News24. Retrieved 8 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Masuabi, Queenin. "DA apologises for controversial posters while ANC heads to the SAHRC". Citypress. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  22. ^ "Out and proud | Here are ten South African openly LGBTQ MPS". 13 June 2017.
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