Durban: Ethan Ramkuar, a DA proportional representative councillor and a pastor, has opened a charge of defamation against a Richards Bay homeowner who had allegedly questioned his sexual orientation.
Ramkuar, 25, of Arboretum in Richards Bay, said the man messaged him on Facebook messenger last weekend.
"I was asked whether I was a boy or a girl. I was also sworn at," said Ramkuar, formerly from Chatsworth in Durban.
He said he was also called a gay m**** c**d; a slang and derogatory reference to one's mother.
“While I am a strong supporter and have many close friends and family who are a part of the LGBTQI community, my concern was how could this man, who does not know me, question my sexuality and use such vulgarity against me. It is unacceptable.
“His actions also appear to be that of someone that discriminates against the LGBTQI community. We cannot allow this kind of behaviour and hate to go unpunishable.”
He said he met the man while campaigning during the Local Government Elections last year.
“He approached me while I was canvassing in Brackenham (in Richards Bay) in October. At the time, I stood for the elections to be the DA councillor in ward 26. He told me about some cable wires that were hanging over his property. I went to his home, took pictures and told him I would do my best to assist him. We had a conversation and he was friendly.
“However, later that evening, after I messaged him, he called me and said he could not speak to me as I was gay and he did not like gay people. He said, if I was gay, I should not go anywhere near him. He used vulgar words and I did not contact him again. I even blocked him from WhatsApp."
Ramkuar, who is also the founder of Survival Centre, an NPO based in Chatsworth, said the man allegedly messaged his girlfriend on Facebook last weekend.
“He sent her a friend request and a good morning message. She replied 'good morning' and said 'God bless'. It was strange and out of the blue, but she was polite. Later that evening, he messaged me, saying 'hi'. I greeted him and asked how I could assist him. His response was 'you tell me’.
“I told him that he messaged me, and I was confused. However, he responded, ‘are you a girl or boy’. I told him that he had seen me previously and I asked him whether I looked like a man or a woman. I also told him that it was rude to ask such a question as he saw me with my girlfriend. That is when he swore at me and called me names."
Ramkuar, who was appointed a proportional representative councillor for ward 9 in Empangeni instead of a ward councillor, said he opened the charge after consulting with members of the DA.
"While I previously overlooked his actions, I was not going to allow a person to continue to pick on me based on their assumptions. If I did not react now, this would continue and be considered acceptable.
“Furthermore, while I am a strong person, the next person may not be, and such types of bullying and abuse can have serious consequences. An example needs to be set. People who use social media to harass others need to be taught a lesson.
“I will also approach the Equality Court, if need be, to ensure this person is held accountable. It is not acceptable to make accusations and discriminate against another person."
Heinz De Boer, the DA King Cetshwayo constituency head and a member of the provincial legislature, said there was no place in society for discrimination against anyone based on their race, social standing or sexual orientation.
“It is exactly these sorts of social media messages that further fan the flames of intolerance and hatred. Often, it leads to incidents of violence against the LGBTQI+ community.
“The DA will continue to closely monitor the investigation and will insist that the matter is brought to court.
"KwaZulu-Natal has already borne the brunt of much inequality and discrimination. There is simply no place for derogatory and prejudicial behaviour under a constitution that enshrines dignity and equality for all."
The man, who allegedly messaged Ramkuar, said he was unaware of the charge opened against him and declined to comment further.
Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, a provincial police spokesperson, said: “We can confirm a case of defamation of character is being investigated by Richards Bay SAPS. The matter is still under investigation.”
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