DA: Statement by Mbali Ntuli, Democratic Alliance youth leader, on the DA Youth protest outside Kleinfontein to continue peacefully, despite threats (23/05/2013)

23rd May 2013 By: Shannon de Ryhove - Contributing Editor

The DA Youth protest outside Kleinfontein this morning will continue as planned.

We will gather peacefully, and we will deliver a message of unity, reconciliation and hope.

We have received reports this morning that several bakkieloads of AWB members have been dispatched to Kleinfontein, and that a number of men on horseback are guarding the entrance to Kleinfontein.

I want to make it absolutely clear:  The DA Youth will not engage in or incite violence of any kind, but we will not be deterred by threats of violence either. Our protest will be peaceful and it will bring a message of reconciliation and unity to the people of Kleinfontein.

I have received a threatening sms from a member of the Kleinfontein community this morning. The sms, which was written in Afrikaans, concludes by saying:  “Onthou, jy is verantwoordelik vir hulle veiligheid. As daar iets met julle gebeur is dit op jou hande.” (Remember that you are responsible for the safety (of your members). If something were to happen to you today, it is on you.)

We will not be deterred by these threats. We will stand up to those who want to continue living in apartheid.

The DA fought against apartheid, and we will stand up to anyone who wants to bring it back.