The SAHRC is therefore deeply concerned by recent alleged utterances attributed to Ms. Marcelle Maritz, leader of the Freedom Front Plus in the Limpopo Province, and a Member of the Provincial Legislature. The SAHRC is of the view that the clip attributed to Ms. Maritz, on a prima facie basis, amount to hate speech under section 10 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA).

It is trite and settled law that in our democracy no tolerance will and should be given to hurtful epithets such as the k-word. The SAHRC condemns these racially divisive utterances, as they go against the non-racialist values upon which South Africa’s constitutional democracy is founded and assures the public that it is currently investigating this matter and will be approaching the Equality Court for appropriate relief herein.

– Ends –

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
For queries contact SAHRC Limpopo Provincial Manager Mr Victor Mavhidula on 0767801500 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.