IEC: Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Operation Dudula Face Xenophobia Complaint

• Rise Mzansi filed a complaint with the IEC regarding xenophobic attacks by March and March and Operation Dudula.
• The complaint targets March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and Operation Dudula for their actions against candidate Aziz Ally and a Somali volunteer.
• The attacks stemmed from the false belief that Rise Mzansi candidate Aziz Ally was Somali, despite him being South African.
• The complaint alleges a violation of the South Africa Electoral Code of Conduct.
• No criminal charges have been laid in connection with the incident, with the focus on the electoral complaint.

An IEC investigation into political xenophobia ZA is crucial not only for the immediate parties involved but also for setting a precedent regarding acceptable conduct in elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has received a formal complaint alleging xenophobic conduct by two political entities, March and March and Operation Dudula, during the current election cycle. The complaint, lodged by Rise Mzansi's Johannesburg mayoral candidate Lukhona Mnguni on October 14, specifically targets March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and the anti-migrant party Operation Dudula. They are accused of launching a xenophobic smear campaign against Rise Mzansi's Johannesburg Ward 58 councillor candidate, Aziz Ally.

The core of the alleged smear campaign involved public attacks on Ally, based on the erroneous assumption that he was of Somali origin. Despite Ally being a South African citizen, both organizations propagated falsehoods about him. Furthermore, Operation Dudula extended its attacks to a documented Somali community activist who was legally residing in South Africa and assisting Ally with his campaign by putting up posters in a diverse, migrant-rich area of the city. Ngobese-Zuma herself contributed to the rhetoric, claiming that foreigners were actively seeking political office and influencing electoral outcomes through mutual voting. Following the complaint, March and March social media influencers and office-bearers have publicly stated that Ngobese-Zuma's arrest for "Islamophobia" is imminent, though this may be a misinterpretation related to the IEC complaint filed by Rise Mzansi.

The complaint submitted to the IEC centers on an alleged violation of the South Africa Electoral Code of Conduct. This code governs the behavior of political parties and candidates during election periods, aiming to ensure fair and ethical campaigning. While Rise Mzansi has opted to pursue this electoral complaint, its representative, Lukhona Mnguni, confirmed that no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incidents.

The IEC is now tasked with initiating an investigation into the matter, examining the claims of xenophobic smear tactics and determining if the actions of Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, March and March, and Operation Dudula contravene the established electoral regulations. This process underscores the commission's role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and addressing instances of political xenophobia in South Africa.

This Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma IEC xenophobia complaint highlights the persistent challenge of xenophobic rhetoric in South African politics, particularly during election campaigns. The targeting of individuals like Aziz Ally and a Somali volunteer, based on perceived foreignness rather than their actual citizenship or legal status, demonstrates a concerning trend that can undermine democratic principles and social cohesion. The incident involving the documented Somali activist, who was simply helping a candidate in a diverse ward, further illustrates the reach of such xenophobic smear tactics.

The decision by Rise Mzansi to file an Aziz Ally Rise Mzansi electoral complaint with the IEC, rather than pursuing criminal charges, emphasizes the importance of the South Africa Electoral Code of Conduct violation framework in addressing such issues. An IEC investigation into political xenophobia ZA is crucial not only for the immediate parties involved but also for setting a precedent regarding acceptable conduct in elections. It sends a clear message that the electoral body is prepared to act against parties and individuals who engage in discriminatory speech, reinforcing the need for all political actors to adhere to ethical campaigning standards.

Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or advocacy groups in South Africa should note the active enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct by the IEC against xenophobic rhetoric. This case highlights the legal risks and potential for formal complaints regarding discriminatory speech during election campaigns, necessitating careful review of public statements and social media activity to ensure compliance and avoid sanctions.

Source: Reporting based on AllAfrica's coverage