Latest news with #SouthAfricanHumanRightsCommissionAct
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
SAHRC probes Gayton McKenzie's old ‘racist' tweets
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an investigation into allegations of racism against sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie after he allegedly used derogatory language to refer to black people decades ago. Last week, McKenzie's old tweets allegedly using the k-word resurfaced on X, sparking outrage and calls for his removal as minister. The commission said it would investigate the matter after receiving complaints from political parties and the outrage caused on social media. 'After assessment of the contents, the commission is of the view that utterances made by minister McKenzie are prima facie violations of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act),' the SAHRC said. 'Consequently, the commission has sent an allegation letter to minister McKenzie. Thereafter, the commission will determine the best way forward, which may include instituting proceedings in the relevant Equality Court as per the South African Human Rights Commission Act read with the Equality Act.' It said given his position as a minister, McKenzie's conduct is expected to conform to the ethical standards of a minister and an MP. The SAHRC urged the public to refrain from using hate speech under the notion it is freedom of speech. 'The commission wishes to remind members of the public that the right to freedom of expression is not absolute. Hate speech is prohibited in terms of the Equality Act, and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. 'The commission calls on everyone in the country to uphold the principles enshrined in the constitution, including human dignity, equality and non-discrimination.' ActionSA has welcomed the SAHRC's investigation. 'We maintain South Africa cannot have a sitting cabinet minister who holds such views, whether past or present, without being held to account,' said ActionSA MP Alan Beesley. 'ActionSA looks forward to the commission communicating the next steps in holding the minister to account. Racism must be confronted with consequences, no matter who the perpetrator is or their status in society.' McKenzie has consistently denied claims of racism, saying he would not apologise 'for something I didn't do'. 'Why am I asking for forgiveness for some of the nonsense things I said about guys and swearing at some guys, not racism. I won't apologise,' he said. 'Why would I apologise for something I didn't do? Even if the president says I must apologise for racism, I will not, because I wasn't racist. Must I be so desperate for a job that I start apologising for stuff? No. I'm another type of guy.'
TimesLIVE
25-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
SAHRC takes legal action against Gqeberha shop owner for displaying anti-LGBTQ+ sign
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has announced it is initiating legal proceedings against a Gqeberha shop owner, Dawood Lagardien, for publicly displaying an anti-LGBTQ+ sign outside his business. The commission alleges the sign constitutes discrimination, hate speech and harassment against the LGBTQ+ community. The sign displayed outside Lagardien's business read: 'LGBTQ not welcome at La Gardi — Save our children.' According to the SAHRC, the signage was intended to exclude members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual+ (LGBTQ+) community from accessing services offered by the business. 'In addition, the respondent established and actively managed a WhatsApp group titled 'Our Rights — anti LGBTQ+', which contains statements and material that appear to incite harm against individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and related communities. After assessment of the complaint , the commission has concluded that the alleged actions by Mr Dawood Lagardien constitute hate speech and/or harassment as contemplated in terms of sections 10 and 11 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA or Equality Act),' said the commission. The commission emphasised 'the critical importance' of fostering a society rooted in non-discrimination, while actively promoting and safeguarding the right to equality for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation. 'The commission is empowered in terms of section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act (SAHRC Act), to bring proceedings in a competent court or tribunal in its own name or on behalf of a person or a group or class of people,' it said. The case is scheduled to be heard in the Equality Court sitting in the East London high court on Monday.
