KDM Lifeguard’s Racist Rant Angers Locals
Erica Abrahams, North Coast Courier (South Africa), January 3, 2018
KwaDukuza lifeguard Langelihle Dube has outraged locals after posting what has been described as a racist and vulgar comment against white people who visit KwaDukuza beaches.
Accompanied by a photo of the beach on December 30, Dube said on his Facebook page: “White people drinking on the beach while black are being abused stopped from entering the same facility. F#*k the police and white people.”
Shocked at the post, many accused Dube of racism and urged KDM to take action against him while others worried for their safety on the beach. Liz Ceruti said, “Wow if he is a lifeguard, will he leave the whites to drown?”
Anke Simon said, “Mr Dube you must be blind then. I have seen every colour of our nation on the beach. Why only single out the white people for drinking? Please let us know which facility abuses and stops blacks from entering?”
Others, however, sided with Dube saying he was simply reporting his observations.
“He is a pro lifeguard and a senior last time I checked. He has been there for long and is reporting what he witnesses on a daily basis. Maybe he may not have addressed it properly but the council should investigate the allegations,” Sanela Nxumalo.
KDM media liaison Sipho Mkhize said the municipality distanced themselves from the “disturbing” post.
“The municipality operates on the basis that it and other enforcement arms have not been selective in enforcing bylaws at the beaches and distances itself from any prospects that draw it being a biased institution as alluded by Mr Dube’s post.”
Mkhize said that necessary steps would be taken to address the lifeguard’s conduct.
Dube told the Courier that he would not withdraw his statement.
