The case of the missing six-year-old, Joslin Smith, starkly exposes the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a party more concerned with political maneuvering and slander than with genuine empathy and care for the communities it claims to represent. The plight of little Joslin’s disappearance should have evoked immediate compassion and support.
In such unfortunate times, there should have been a moment for unified compassion and unwavering support, but the DA chose instead to prioritize politics, leaving a community in anguish and despair.
Right from the outset, instead of extending a hand of empathy and genuine assistance to the distraught community, the DA opted for political mudslinging and self-serving tactics. While the people cried out for solidarity, action, and multiple desperate pleas to be heard, the DA remained shamefully silent, callously ignoring their pleas.
This reprehensible behavior exposes the DA’s profound disconnect from the very individuals it claims to serve. The party’s lack of urgency and care in addressing the situation is a glaring testament to its detachment from the very people it purports to serve.
Furthermore, the seemingly implicit endorsement of police brutality toward the community further underscores its callous disregard for the well-being of the people they are duty-bound to protect. Instead of condemning such abhorrent acts of violence and abuse of power, the party has apparently chosen to turn a blind eye, effectively making it seem as if they endorse the mistreatment of innocent citizens.
A political leader has on numerous occasions publicly slandered those working tirelessly to find Joslin. This individual’s vocal support for the police, despite the egregious misconduct by law enforcement, speaks volumes about the DA’s twisted priorities.
Police officers openly used force, vulgar and disgusting language, blatantly pushing an individual forcefully to the ground, stun grenades thrown at the community, and the use of tear gas. Among the community members were a good number of elderly people. One of them was hospitalized due to the course of action of the police. A community member showing support for the finding of Joslin, waiting outside of court for answers that might follow after the hearing, not allowed to enter the courtroom, kept outside behind barbed wire, and an armed police force.
Why is it that Reagan Allen, Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, did not mention, or at the very least acknowledge, this particular community member? Instead, he says, “I can already confirm a conversation with the provincial commissioner that we will be analysing the video footage to ensure that whoever was throwing stones will ultimately be held accountable.” Will he also analyse video footage of a particular police officer shoving an individual to the ground? A video footage with clear video and audible audio of the language used.
In the face of such neglect and betrayal, the general perception is that the DA has lost sight of its fundamental duty to the community, especially from the leaders commissioned to protect the community. By prioritizing political expediency over genuine compassion and care, the party has betrayed the trust of those who once looked to it for leadership and support.
The little girl was reported missing on February 20th, 2024. Another political leader made a Facebook post almost 10 days later, for the first time, related to the disappearance of Joslin. The post clearly lacks empathy and care toward Joslin, her family, and her community. It only boasts the (delayed) efforts and actions initiated by them and the obvious politicization, on their part, of this crime that has caused shock and heartbreak throughout the world.
A belated and tepid response reeking of political opportunism with the words, “….progress has been severely hampered by the destructive videos and social media posts, done by political figures and those seeking online relevance.” Seriously!? Sies man! Sies! It is hard to believe and understand what “progress” exactly because, at that point, all the arrested suspects were roaming the streets freely.
Gayton McKenzie, Patriotic Alliance leader, was in Saldanha Bay, after a request from a local councillor, since word got out of Joslin’s disappearance. Gayton has exemplified true leadership and compassion by tirelessly assisting, together with his team, the community in their time of need. He is the reason why this case is still open and now being investigated. He made a huge noise, and rightfully so, not only in Saldanha Bay but throughout South Africa and across borders.
Not only did he assist the community, but he also offered assistance to the police. Throughout their search and sacrifices, not once was there any mention of politics. The live videos and public social posts are there to prove this. Until the DA chose to put the focus on politics instead of Joslin.
Gayton’s selfless actions stand in stark contrast to the DA’s hollow rhetoric and political posturing. McKenzie’s unwavering dedication to finding Joslin and supporting the community serves as a beacon of hope in the midst of the DA’s seemingly moral bankruptcy.
The DA must undergo a profound reckoning with its values and priorities. The sad and obvious reality is that the DA has lost trust and support from this community because they haven’t been getting support from the DA. Now it seems they have washed their hands of the people of the little West Coast town and are doing everything in their power to bring them and anyone close to them down. They could be using further tactics to provoke people so that they can deal with these individuals and get them out of the way.
In conclusion, the DA’s betrayal felt by individuals is a stark reminder of the moral bankruptcy that plagues our political system. Until they undergo a profound reckoning with their values and priorities, the DA will likely remain complicit in the suffering of those they claim to serve. It’s time for political parties to put aside their political games and start serving the interests of the people, nothing else.
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Author: Bronwynn D from Murmur Central .
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