/ 14 February 2008

DA: ANC subscribes to the ‘big-lie’ theory

The African National Congress (ANC) is subscribing to the ”big-lie” theory, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Thursday.

”The ANC subscribes to the theory that if the ”big lie” is repeated often enough, then people will believe it, and reality can be shaped by the ruling party,” the DA’s Gauteng provincial safety spokesperson, James Swart, said.

Swart was reacting to comments made by Tshwane metro mayor Gwen Ramakgopa.

Ramakgopa was quoted in the daily Pretoria News as saying that special police task teams together with the metro police have had ”huge successes in reducing” crime.

This followed her hospital visit to Pretoria teenager Razelle Botha, who was shot by robbers at her home last week.

The daily quoted her as saying that although police had had success at fighting crimes such as hijacking and house robberies, ”they are still at unacceptably high levels”.

Swart said the mayor should explain what the ”huge successes” by teams were, as they had not been visible to communities.

”The time has come to recognise that we have a government that cares neither about truth nor the people it was elected to serve. It will say anything to try and shape reality to its own purpose,” said Swart. — Sapa