DA reports Julius Malema’s hate speech to the SAHRC

The Democratic Alliance will report Economic Freedom Fighters Leader, Julius Malema’s unconstitutional and deeply hateful comments to the South African Human Rights Commission for investigation.

At a public meeting yesterday, Mr Malema told supporters that “we are not calling for the slaughter of white people, at least for now…”

These comments violate the most fundamental principles of our hard-won constitutional democracy.

Indeed the South Africa which Nelson Mandela dreamed of in 1994 is founded on the values of freedom, equality, dignity, as well as non-racism and non-sexism.

These are the same values which the DA cherishes and upholds, and will fight against whenever infringed upon.

It has been more than 24 hours since these divisive, hate-filled and extremely dangerous comments were made, and despite being given the opportunity to apologise and retract, Mr Malema has opted to remain silent.

It is now time for the SAHRC to play their part in ensuring there is recourse for this conduct. A clear message must be sent that our constitutional values cannot be undermined and ignored for political mileage.

The DA will continue to do everything possible to help build a united and prosperous South Africa, which belongs to all who live in it.

Statement issued by Phumzile Van Damme MP, DA National Spokesperson, 8 November 2016