Renaldo Gouws, former Nelson Mandela Bay Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor and parliamentarian, has joined the VF Plus.
This was announced in a media statement today by Dr. Corné Mulder, VF Plus leader.
Gouws, who is a former Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Ward 2 councillor, made headlines last June after being suspended from the Democratic Alliance following the resurfacing of old videos showing him making derogatory remarks.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) instituted proceedings against Gouws before the Equality Court. The SAHRC in May of this year confirmed in a media release that it had settled the complaint against Gouws in relation to a video he published in 2010 through the Commission’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process. The terms of settlement included a full and unconditional public apology, which Gouws issued.
Mulder said in the media statement that the VF Plus welcomes Gouws into its midst and looks forward to working together with him.
The VF Plus media statement also described Gouws as “an industrial psychologist with a large following on YouTube, among other platforms, who brings extensive political experience and a genuine passion for community values.”
“He obtained his master’s degree in industrial psychology from Nelson Mandela University in 2010 and currently also works as a consultant at a well-known company to find practical solutions for community development,” the VF Plus statement read.
“Gouws’ passionate involvement with the political and social situation in the country has earned him a following of more than 400,000 on his various social media platforms, where he is known for his commentary and analysis of current issues.
“According to Gouws, the VF Plus’s core values of freedom, self-determination and the protection of minority rights resonate with his own convictions. He therefore welcomes the opportunity to work together with the party to help build a united, prosperous South Africa where every citizen can flourish equally,” the VF Plus statement read.
Gouws posted on Facebook today that the past year was a difficult chapter, one that tested his resolve and forced him to reflect deeply on his path in public service. “But let me be clear, I am not done with politics and politics clearly isn’t done with me. Politics has never been a job for me, it’s a calling, a passion fuelled by the desire to fight for a better South Africa for all who live in it,” Gouws said.
“So many of you, from all walks of life, reached out and urged me to step back into the ring. Your words moved me profoundly. They reminded me that this isn’t about feeling wronged or that an injustice occurred; it’s about the people, the everyday South Africans who feel unheard, who yearn for leaders willing to battle for justice, equality, and opportunity. Your encouragement has reignited my fire, and today, I stand before you ready to answer that call,” Gouws said.
