MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Anco Barker, a former DA councillor in Mossel Bay, who resigned in June 2023 and then joined the FF Plus, has also resigned from this party.
In a statement on 30 April, titled "Resignation from the Freedom Front Plus - My commitment to God’s Will for South Africa", Barker announced her resignation from the FF Plus.
She elaborates on the reason, but it comes down to the fact that she feels the FF Plus' constitution does not align with her values as a born-again Christian.
"I hold dignity and integrity in high regard, especially when it concerns the wellbeing of South African citizens. Our nation is a tapestry of diverse cultures. I deeply appreciate and celebrate it for its beauty and splendour.
"I am a born-again Christian, and furthermore, I acknowledge God Almighty, Jesus Christ our Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as the one and only creator and that everything, including all people, belong to him. Hence, with a heavy heart, I announce my resignation from the Freedom Front Plus political party.
"The constitution of the Freedom Front Plus caters exclusively to the Afrikaner nation, leaving out other communities, based on their language and cultural heritage. As God is the creator of all, I cannot align myself with a party that excludes certain human beings.
"While the Freedom Front Plus acknowledges the triune God, certain sections of its constitution contradict this principle. Sections 18.3.2.2 and 18.3.2.3 promote Afrikaner national unity and self-determination, reminiscent of Apartheid-era governance, which I vehemently oppose.
"Moreover, section 19.1 designates a flag symbolising past injustices as the official flag of the party. I cannot endorse a symbol that represents inequality and oppression."
Deputy leader for the FF Plus in the Western Cape, Advocate Gert van Niekerk, said the party acknowledged the sections Barker made reference to, but said these needed to be seen in context and he denied that the party discriminated, based on race.
"We distance ourselves from her interpretation of the constitution."
Van Niekerk said he found it strange that Barker had no issue with the party's constitution when she joined.
He said it was well known that the FF Plus had "black, brown and white councillors across the country and had branches in traditionally black, brown and white areas".
"This contradicts the claims that the party is racist and it is her own narrow-minded interpretation."
That being said, Van Niekerk said the party was not angry with Barker. She had her own free will to resign and her contract would have come to an end in May. He said it was not clear whether the contract would be renewed or not, but that the party wished Barker the best.
Barker noted in her statement that she was exercising her right, "as granted by God, to boldly speak against injustice and exclusion".
"While I respect the choices of political parties, I cannot condone exclusion based on culture or race.
"I extend my gratitude to the Freedom Front Plus for the lessons learned and the support received during my tenure. I've met remarkable individuals within the party, but regrettably, inclusivity remains unresolved.
"As a white South African female, some may deem me a traitor. Yet, I urge you to embrace the will of God, letting go of judgment and the nostalgia for an Apartheid past that was unequivocally wrong and ungodly."
Barker said that while she was not currently associated with any political party, she assured people, she was not leaving the political arena and her commitment remained steadfast in bringing God back into our governance.
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