In a video, alleged perpetrator, a white minor can be seen repeatedly calling a black minor using the K word, a colonial-apartheid derogatory word deployed to degrade and inflict pain on black people. What is more disturbing is that these alleged utterances were repeatedly expressed by the minor on the social platform, 30 years after Apartheid.

The Commission has been inundated with messages on its social media platforms from aggrieved members of the public calling for actions to be taken against the alleged perpetrator.

Upon being aware of the disturbing incident, the Commission through its Northern Cape Provincial Office opened own accord investigation mandate by section 184 of the Constitution to promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights in the Republic. The Constitution further empowers the Commission to take steps to secure appropriate redress where human rights have been violated.

As part of the assessment process the Commission has already met with the Northern Cape Department of Education to gather facts and information on steps taken thus far on the matter. The Commission will be visiting the school to gather more facts and assist the school to conduct a fair, decisive, and holistic investigation with the view of also assessing the overall environment and culture of the school as far as the inculcation of values of social cohesion, social justice and diversity are concerned.

The Commission commends High School Duineveld for publicly denouncing the incident and expressing its stance that it is against any discriminating utterances regarding race, religion, politics, and gender.

The Commission would like to reiterate to members of the public that Equality Courts are freely accessible. Individuals and groups can approach Equality Courts and lodge complaints free of charge and without the assistance of a lawyer. Equality courts are specialised courts designated to hear matters relating to unfair discrimination, hate speech and harassment. All Magistrate Courts are designated as Equality Courts.

The Commission would like to encourage members of the public experiencing racism and other human rights violations to lodge complaints. Complaint forms can be accessed here https://www.sahrc.org.za/index.php/lodge-complaints 

Finally, the Commission would like to acknowledge the active citizenry shown by members of the public to alert the Commission whenever they observe allegations of human rights violations. The Commission will update the public on the progress of our own accord investigation.

ENDS

For further information or inquiries: Wisani Baloyi This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 081 016 8308

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission