Geordin Hill-Lewis was elected the new federal leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the party’s Federal Congress, securing over 90% of the votes and succeeding John Steenhuisen.
However, the celebratory atmosphere was marred by allegations of a racial snub after a video surfaced showing Hill-Lewis greeting supporters but seemingly bypassing MP Luyolo Mphithi without a handshake
Mphithi quickly addressed the situation on social media platform X, stating he was too far back to be acknowledged and urged critics to move on.
“There is no crisis here,” he wrote, attempting to quell the backlash.
Despite his clarification, critics circulated zoomed-in screenshots disputing his account, suggesting he was deliberately ignored.
As of April 14, neither Hill-Lewis nor the DA has commented on the incident.
The video prompted mixed reactions online, with some users accusing Hill-Lewis of ignoring Mphithi due to his race.
One user remarked, “When Helen Zille is asking you to ignore ideologies, this is what she speaks of,” referencing the party’s leadership.
Others defended Hill-Lewis, arguing that the incident was being exaggerated.
“If you actually watch the slowed-down clip properly, you’ll see Luyolo was NOT the only Black person not greeted,” one user pointed out, emphasising new leader passed several individuals before moving on.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within South Africa’s political landscape, where perceptions of race and representation remain sensitive topics.
As the DA navigates its leadership transition, the party faces scrutiny over its commitment to inclusivity and addressing the concerns of all its members
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