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Bell Pottinger CEO James Henderson resigns, retains stake
The names James Henderson and Bell Pottinger have evoked anger among South Africans of late. Now, BizNews reports that South Africans are celebrating the news that the UK-based PR firm's CEO has resigned.
Gupta Curse strikes again - this time in London. Bell Pottinger CEO James Henderson confirmed to me he has resigned. https://t.co/1g6XmucGAT
— Alec Hogg (@alechogg) September 3, 2017
The resignation comes days before the UK’s PRCA is set to hand down an announcement on its sanction of Bell Pottinger and after Henderson issued a full, unequivocal apology to all South Africans back in April, when an international law firm was appointed to review the work that they had done on the Gupta-owned Oakbay Capital account.
The Telegraph dubbed this a 'race hate' campaign.
Strong and sincere anger
At the time, Henderson felt the strong social media attacks on Bell Pottinger staff and business from South Africa was "unfair" and clearly the result of "strong and sincere anger".
Henderson owns 40% of the agency with his fiancee Heather Kerzner and will remain committed as a shareholder, despite his resignation.
News24 reports that the DA has stated if Henderson was truly sorry and appreciated the implications of Bell Pottinger propaganda in SA, he would repay the R20m they reportedly earned from the Gupta family.
My statement on resignation of #BellPottinger CEO, James Henderson. pic.twitter.com/BOdbRzlrtW
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) September 3, 2017
I appreciate James Henderson finally doing the right thing, I do, but where are the other partners who knew? #BellPottingerMustFall pic.twitter.com/qztqWGCKBd
— Mauritz Preller (@MauritzPreller) September 4, 2017
Sorry that we don't feel sorry for you, Henderson. #BellPottinger put reconciliation in SA back many, many years. https://t.co/iUNuFyIZHm
— OUTA (@OUTASA) September 3, 2017
Good morning to everybody, except people associated with Bell Pottinger. ��
— Leandri J van Vuuren (@Lean3JvV) September 4, 2017
What are your thoughts? Is it a case of too little, too late? Let us know in the comment section below.Viva South Africans! Zuma & his cadres might be addicted to Gupta curry, but we have something money can't buy: Integrity. #BellPottinger
— TMGMT (@Graytie89) September 4, 2017