Bell Pottinger appealed the ruling by Britain's ethics watchdog that its controversial campaign that stirred up racial tensions in South Africa violated its PR code of conduct.

The Public Relations and Communications Assn. today issued the following statement:

PRCA

"The PRCA can confirm that Bell Pottinger has submitted an appeal to the PRCA, in response to the decision made by its Board of Management into the complaint filed by Democratic Alliance.

"The PRCA Board of Management will now meet again on Monday, 4 September. It will issue its final ruling on the morning of Tuesday, 5 September."

Bell Pottinger's work was on behalf of Oakbay Capital, which is owned by the controversial Gupta family.