Statues, taxes and the DA's selective amnesia

MHLABUNZIMA MEMELA.

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THERE is a peculiar ailment afflicting the DA and its orbit of political enthusiasts.

It presents itself as fiscal anxiety, but its symptoms suggest something deeper, selective outrage, historical amnesia, and an inflated sense of moral superiority, usually triggered whenever African pride dares to occupy public space. The latest episode comes in response to eThekwini Municipality's decision to erect monumental statues of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Oliver Reginald Tambo along Durban's promenade.

Suddenly, the DA’s mayoral hopeful has discovered a tender affection for municipal finances, positioning himself as the sole custodian of “taxpayers’ money”, as though the rest of Durban's residents are merely spectators in a city they helped to build. Let us be clear. eThekwini does not belong to the DA. It does not belong to their donors. It does not belong to their suburban echo chambers. It belongs to the people. And as residents of this city, we all pay rates. We all pay taxes. We all contribute not selectively, not when it suits a political narrative, not conditionally upon whether our history is being honoured but consistently. The DA’s sudden concern for public expenditure would be more persuasive if it were not so theatrically reserved for moments when African history is being cast in bronze.