Cape Town - The ANC on Monday sought to dismiss calls for President Jacob Zuma to be forced out of office as a bid to entrench racism.
ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said the ruling party was urging all South Africans to “declare war on racism and for political parties to refrain from undermining democracy through calls that undermine a democratic outcome”.
He added: “The uniformed call that President Zuma must fall is a ploy to divert a real conversation on racism that finds expression in the comments of a minority belonging to a particular party that is intent of achieving the impossible return to a racist past.”
The statement follows four days after a huge “Zuma Must Fall” billboard was erected in central Cape Town.
Read: CT building gets ‘Zuma Must Fall’ sign
On Friday, the DA denied that it had anything to do it and the city council handed the matter to prosecuting authorities, saying it was the work of a private individual who was in breach of by-laws.
The billboard was torn down on Saturday, reportedly by ANC supporters.
Read: Fracas unfolds as poster is torn down
Kodwa said the campaign against Zuma would polarise the country and foment racial tension.
“It is evident that this campaign which is privately sponsored by particular formations can only polarise society resulting in strained relations amongst our people.
“The message, judging from recent events, is clear that South Africans will not tolerate foreign behaviour by those seeking to reverse our hard won struggles. We encourage our people to undertake an active campaign against racism and those who want to water down democratic values.”
African News Agency