ActionSA has criticised Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson's decision to challenge Parliament in court after he was found guilty of breaching Parliament's Code of Ethical Conduct for remarks directed at the party's supporters.
The party accused Macpherson of attempting to evade accountability after Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests found that his comments violated ethical standards expected of Members of Parliament.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Macpherson outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court in July 2025, during politically charged court proceedings linked to tensions involving supporters of former president Jacob Zuma and rival political formations.
Videos circulated on social media showing Macpherson referring to ActionSA supporters gathered outside court as "amaphara" and "hobos", sparking widespread backlash.
ActionSA argued that the comments reinforced harmful racial and class stereotypes and undermined the constitutional values of dignity, equality and non-discrimination.
