Race mars Bela rally

Action by critics undermined by suspicion protest was spurred by race and not interest of kids.

- Marizka Coetzer

Opposition to the Bela Act has been undermined by suspicion that it was about race and ethics of the people who marched against it at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria on Tuesday, rather than the real interest of education. Analyst Piet Croucamp said the orange colour of AfriForum, chosen for the event, was unfortunate and bad PR.

"The fact that Steve Hofmeyr, a well-known right-winger and supporter of the old South African flag was present, is a PR disaster."

"The cause by the opposition of the Bela Act has been undermined by the now serious suspicion that it was about race and ethics of those present, rather than the real interest of education," he said.

This came after Cosatu accused the organisers of being racially motivated after a four-colour flag incident. Images of a man carrying the old South African flag at the protest sparked debate and division on social media platforms.