Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 07-04-2018

After much debate, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has unanimously adopted a diversity clause in its constitution rejecting a proposal for racial quotas. 

The DA started debating the first of 105 amendment suggestions proposed by DA leader Mmusi Maimane on Saturday at its federal congress in Pretoria 

News 24 reports Maimane wanted diversity to be added as the party’s fourth pillar, along with freedom, fairness, and opportunity, and to “replicate diversity in its own ranks”.

It’s understood the amendment sparked heated debate in the run-up to the conference, with some, including MPs Gavin Davis and Michael Cardo, rejecting diversity on the basis of race and gender, arguing for diversity of thought.

In a statement the DA says its 2018 Federal Congress recognised that South Africa is a richly diverse society with a painful history, as such has mandated the party to take active steps to promote and advance diversity. 

“The result of this amendment means that the advancement of diversity is not discretionary but is now a constitutional imperative.” 

This is the updated version of the constitutional amendment:

• South Africa is a richly diverse society. Though our people come from different origins, worship in different ways and have different cultures and customs, we are all unique individuals.

•  Diversity is one of South Africa’s greatest assets. The Party celebrates diversity, and recognises the right of each individual to be who they want to be, from domination by others. 

• The Party solemnly subscribes to the preamble to the Constitution of South Africa which recognises the injustices of the past, and affirms that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.

•  The Party will continue to take active steps to promote and advance diversity in its own ranks.

Twitter: @FaizelPatel143