MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Accusations of race and gender insensitivity were flung in the direction of the Makhado Municipality this week, following an offensive poster placed in full view of the public.

The poster shows a male person holding an axe, with a gun in his pocket and various other weapons. Around the picture the message "Don't Threaten" is written in Afrikaans, Venda and Tshangaan. Unamused members of the public stated that it depicts and labels men as aggressive and murderous.

In reaction, Cllr Marie Helm of the DA requested the office of the Municipal Manager to investigate the origin and author of the offensive poster.

"Please note our deep concern that it seems as if this municipality, which is suppose to treat all people equally, is in violation of the basic human rights of people as contained in the Bill of Rights, Chapter 2 of the Constitution," Cllr Helm said. She added that the municipality should not be used as an expression of the political ideologies and limited perceptions of certain individuals.

Cllr Helm also urged Council to train its officials, including the director of the relevant department, in sensitivity training (race and gender equality) and basic skills of customer service, to prevent this kind amazing lack of judgement and bad taste in the future.