A Knysna DA councillor, Sharon Sabbagh, faced criticism after allegedly referring to a council meeting as a "monkey circus" during a special finance and governance committee sitting. The remark was made amid chaos, with opposition parties calling for her immediate removal from the council.

On Wednesday, during the committee sitting, Sabbagh became frustrated with the opposition parties' disruptions and attempted to raise a point of order. She was repeatedly interrupted and, in response, said, "Continue... We are going to have the yappa yappa monkey circus going on here."

Despite apologizing and stating that she did not call anyone a monkey, political parties demanded action against Sabbagh. The ANC's Phumela Nosana described the comments as racially painful and disrespectful, likening them to apartheid attitudes towards black people.

However, the DA's Dion George defended Sabbagh, stating that her comments had been misunderstood. He accused the current coalition partners in the municipality of Knysna of failing to deliver services, including a water crisis and a waste management crisis.

The EFF called for Sabbagh's immediate removal, labeling her behavior as racist and unacceptable. The party's Nazier Paulsen intended to lodge a complaint with the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The Knysna municipality, governed by a coalition of the ANC, EFF, Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners, has faced numerous challenges, including a service delivery crisis. The DA has reported the municipality to the SAHRC in response to these challenges.

PA spokesperson Steve Motale criticized Sabbagh's behavior, stating that the DA needed to address the issue of racism within its ranks. The Knysna Independent Movement's Mark Willemse also condemned Sabbagh's comments, calling them disrespectful and bringing the party into disrepute.

Sabbagh has been approached for comment.

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