The monologue delivered in the video is filled with veiled threats against non-nationals. It speaks of peace which has existed between South African nationals and the non-national owners of these businesses and threatens that this peace will no longer exist if non-nationals reopen their businesses following the unrest and looting at the beginning of July 2021.

The person also blames non-national business owners for not obeying or upholding the law in this country, a ridiculous statement considering the high levels of crime implicating both South African nationals and non-nationals in this country.  Blaming non-nationals for all crime, including the high levels of crime committed by South Africans themselves is a clear sign of xenophobia and an unfortunate discrimination against people just because of their nationalities.

The Commission is concerned that this video could constitute incitement to cause harm against non-national persons, their property and their businesses, especially in Soweto, which could in turn spill over to other communities. In order to prevent this from happening, the Commission calls on law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with people and incidents such as this. It also appeals to all communities to reject and not to listen to those who want to continue to paint a bad name for South Africa and make it look like a country that is intolerant of diversity.

The Commission is looking into the matter and will determine the most strategic way to intervene.

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Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.