A mural painted by well-known graffiti artist, Iain “Ewok” Robinson, at the Durban North Beach Skate Board Park has irked a Democratic Alliance councillor Avrille Marcia Coen to argue that the usage of the term ‘apartheid’ in relation to Israel constitutes 'hate speech'.

However, Khadeeja Manjra from the Durban for Gaza Campaign said the wall where the mural is painted serves as a legal canvas for all artists.
 
Coen advised that she would instruct the Parks & Leisure Department to immediately remove the Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) graffiti mural, which has been condemned by The Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) South Africa Team (IAW SA Team).
 
Speaking to Radio Islam’s Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat, Manjra said she asked Coen what her stance on the Palestinian issue was, to which according to Manjra, Coen said, “I am not at liberty to say because I am not exactly sure about it. And if I do tell you, I would be quoting incorrectly.”

Manjra says that if the wall is removed it will be a direct suppression of freedom of speech, which is a human right and a constitutional right. “As far I am concerned the only wall that needs to be removed and that constitutes hate speech is the one in Palestine,” said Manjra.
 
In order to ascertain whether the DA on a national level shares Coen’s view, Manjra says it’s not clear whether Coen acted in her personal capacity or that of a ward councillor. “If indeed it is from her capacity as a DA councillor, then we will have to take that forward,” she said.

Meanwhile the DA’s Hanif Hoosein said he could confirm that he had received a number of complaints about the comments made by Coen. He said he contacted Coen and instructed her not to take further action on the matter. “I can confirm that she has not requested the municipality to remove the graffiti off the wall,” added Hoosein.
 
Hoosein said the DA is a political party that supports freedom of expression on the particular matter of the mural and they do not believe they should be taking a side on the matter. “And that both the pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups should find a way to resolve the impasse with regards to the graffiti whether or not it’s acceptable to either side," added Hoosein.

The DA sits on the proverbial fence when it comes to the Palestinian issue. According to Hoosein the DA neither supports the Palestinian nor the Israeli cause and they are a party that remains absolutely neutral, but what they do support is pro-peace. “Our view is clear that what we would like to see is a negotiated peaceful settlement between both sides for a longer lasting solution, for the children of those both nations," said Hoosein.