In a heated exchange of words, former Democratic Alliance leader Phumzile Van Damme expressed her disbelief and frustration regarding the notion of weather control, calling out the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member of parliament, Mzwanele Manyi, as she held him responsible for endorsing such ideas. The controversy unfolded after Manyi made a statement suggesting that the recent disaster in the KwaZulu-Natal province was part of a conspiracy theory aimed at transferring the maritime economy to Cape Town.
Manyi’s comments, labeling the disaster as a manufactured event, ignited a flurry of responses from both supporters and critics alike. Van Damme, known for her outspokenness, voiced her dissatisfaction with Manyi’s statements, implying that they were based on unfounded claims and lacking any substantial evidence. She expressed exasperation, stating, “My God. This weather control thing is really something that some RET [Radical Economic Transformation] people believe? Julius Sello Malema, this man is your responsibility now. Please spare us. We have suffered enough from his inanity.”
The clash between the two politicians has opened up a larger debate about conspiracy theories and their influence on public discourse. Manyi’s assertion that the disaster in KwaZulu-Natal was intentionally orchestrated to favor Cape Town’s maritime economy is seen by some as an example of unsubstantiated claims used for political gain. Critics argue that such conspiracy theories undermine the public’s trust in the government and distract from addressing the actual causes and solutions to pressing issues.
Responses to Van Damme’s criticism of Manyi’s statements have been mixed. One comment suggested that the EFF does not manage people as other parties might, referring to Van Damme’s past experience within the Democratic Alliance under the leadership of Helen Zille. Meanwhile, another comment took a different stance, stating that Van Damme’s disbelief in conspiracy theories related to historical events like slavery, colonialism, and apartheid reflected a failure to recognize the role of human agency in shaping those oppressive systems. The comment pointed out that attributing such historical events to divine will allows white supremacists and racists to perpetuate false narratives.
The debate surrounding weather control and conspiracy theories is likely to continue, as political tensions remain high. South African society will need to grapple with the challenges posed by such narratives and work toward fostering a climate of evidence-based discussions to address the pressing issues facing the nation. As the public watches the political landscape unfold, it remains to be seen whether more politicians will join the fray or attempt to bring a more measured approach to the conversation, focusing on evidence, transparency, and constructive dialogue.
Source:
https://twitter.com/zilevandamme/status/1674632861943574528?t=3klPjHWf_y494OQcuMy8LQ&s=19
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