On 21 January 2009, we wrote to Ms Fatima Hajaig, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, asking her to confirm or deny an allegation that she made the following antisemitic statement at a rally,
"They in fact control [America]. No matter which government comes in to power, whether Republican or Democratic, whether Barack Obama or George Bush. The control of America, just like the control of most Western countries, is in the hands of Jewish money and if Jewish money controls their country then you cannot expect anything else." [Source: David Saks on Mail & Guardian Thoughtleader Blog - see here]
We asked for a response by 26 January 2009 but have received none. (We have however received confirmation of receipt of our fax.) The alleged remark is an affront to dignity. It is unacceptable for a person who makes racist comments to continue being a deputy minister. We therefore call for Ms Hajaig to respond urgently to the allegation that has been made. If she continues to fail to respond, it can be reasonably assumed that the allegation is accurate. We also ask people or organisations with a recording or transcript of Ms Hajaig's precise words to make this evidence public.
Our letter to Ms Hajaig is below.
Zackie Achmat
Jonathan Berger
Nathan Geffen
Doron Isaacs
Faizel Slamang
21 January 2009
Ms Fatima Hajaig
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
PRETORIA 0001