Bell Pottinger found guilty of breaching codes
Bell Pottinger‚ the controversial international public relations firm linked to the Gupta family‚ has been found to be in breach of the codes of the UK-based Public Relations and Communications Association.
While the firm has contravened at least one of the association’s codes‚ it is still not known what action‚ if any‚ will be taken against the company.
The association would release its findings and rulings on September 4, it was reported on the website PRWeek.
The DA had taken Bell Pottinger to the association and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations over allegations that the firm was guilty of inciting racial hatred in SA.
Bell Pottinger is a member of the organisations, which have strict codes of governance.
The DA alleged the firm worked for the Guptas and devised a strategy of protest against “white monopoly capital” to divert attention from criticism of the Gupta family’s activities.
The party said such action contravened the codes of conduct of the two organisations.
The DA’s Phumzile Van Damme said in a statement the party had received confirmation that its complaint against Bell Pottinger had been upheld.
“This means the PRCA [Public Relations and Communications Association] professional practices committee has agreed that Bell Pottinger did indeed violate its professional charter and/or its public affairs and lobbying code of conduct.”
Bell Pottinger would be given five days to appeal against the decision if it so chose, she said.
“If Bell Pottinger appeals‚ the PRCA’s board of management will consider the appeal and either approve‚ amend or overrule the decision by the professional practices committee and then publish the final decision during the week beginning September 4 2017.”
Van Damme said the DA looked forward to the association’s full decision regarding disciplinary action against Bell Pottinger. The firm’s work for Oakbay Capital‚ the Gupta family and President Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane Zuma had exploited the already sensitive race relations in SA, she said.
“A strong message must be sent by the PRCA that unethical conduct by its members will not be tolerated. We trust that a strong sanction will be given against Bell Pottinger.
“We reiterate our call for Bell Pottinger to do the right thing and disclose all Gupta contracts and monies from their accounts with the Guptas and reinvest it into SA,” Van Damme said.
Bell Pottinger’s campaign themes were aired frequently on a Gupta-owned television station and on social media.
On July 6, Bell Pottinger said it had fired a partner in charge of its public relations campaign in SA. It said the firm was “deeply sorry” and that elements of the campaign had been “inappropriate and insensitive” in a country with a troubled racial past.