The South African Human Rights Commission (HRC) says it has consolidated complaints of alleged hate speech against EFF leader, Julius Malema and other members of the party. The commission says it will release its findings and recommendations on the matter.
The commission says the right to freedom of expression is not absolute and does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement of imminent violence, or advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion.
The commission’s CEO, Tshediso Thipanyane, says as the country heads to general elections, political leaders should act responsibly when addressing supporters or making political statements.
“There were a number of complaints pertaining to utterances made by Mr Julius Malema around issues which people assumed constitute hate speech, like remarks about Indians and killing white people. We then put all the complaints together and assessed them and we and we made the findings and the findings which will be announced on Wednesday.”
