AfriForum consults legal team on next steps after Supreme Court of Appeal upholds declaration of old flag as hate speech

21 April 2023

The civil rights organisation AfriForum will consult with its legal team on the next steps after the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein today dismissed the appeal of the ruling that declared the display of the old South African flag in most circumstances, including in private, as hate speech.

“Freedom of expression as a right has unfortunately become watered down in this country. It is a principle that has become the victim of ridiculous double standards and the future consequences will likely be dire,” says Ernst van Zyl, Campaign Officer for Strategy and Content at AfriForum.

“AfriForum’s position in this old flag case does not mean that the organisation displays the flag or that we will not strongly oppose genuine hate speech, which is the propagation of hatred against a group of people based on their identity and when the statement contains an incitement to cause harm. We are entering very chaotic and dangerous waters when the law can be wielded to attempt to protect people from feelings of offence alone,” concludes Van Zyl.

Issued by Ernst van Zyl, Campaign Officer: Strategy and Content, AfriForum, 21 April 2023