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Media Alert: SAHRC v “TRACY ZILLE” commences in the Louis Trichardt Equality Court, Limpopo
27 July 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
In July 2020 the SAHRC received a complaint from a member of the public relating to the social media account known as “Tracy Zille”. It appeared from the account that a white woman was making disparaging, racist and harassing comments towards black women in particular.
From a closer inspection, and after an expose in the media, it was reported that the Tracy Zille account was in fact run by one Mr Anthony Mathumba, a local councillor from the Makhado Local Municipality. It was further reported that Mr Mathumba was generating an income from making these disparaging and inflammatory comments online through companies he owned and registered to which social media users were directed.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
In July 2020 the SAHRC received a complaint from a member of the public relating to the social media account known as “Tracy Zille”. It appeared from the account that a white woman was making disparaging, racist and harassing comments towards black women in particular.
From a closer inspection, and after an expose in the media, it was reported that the Tracy Zille account was in fact run by one Mr Anthony Mathumba, a local councillor from the Makhado Local Municipality. It was further reported that Mr Mathumba was generating an income from making these disparaging and inflammatory comments online through companies he owned and registered to which social media users were directed.
The SAHRC investigated the complaint and proceeded to institute the matter at the Louis Trichartd Equality Court, where it has now been set down for hearing from the 27-29th of July 2021. The SAHRC is requesting the court to declare comments made by Mr Mathumba as harassment based on gender and race, and for the Respondent to pay damages as a result of his impugned statements.
The SAHRC’s investigation was supported by information received from the multinational social media platform Twitter, after extensive engagements, and will be supplemented by expert evidence which will be led during the hearing.
The SAHRC is of the view that no individual may use the hurtful history of this country to leverage an income for him or herself. The SAHRC condemns any form of action which deliberately contradicts our mandate of reconciliation and nation building, and is confident that the court will send a strong message to the faceless individuals on social media who attempts to abuse these platforms is stark contradiction of the aims of the Equality Act, 2000.
For further information or request to participate and provide the Commission with further evidence contact SAHRC Limpopo Provincial Office Manager, Mr Victor Mavhidula @ 015 291 3500/ 0767801500/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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