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 Trichardt Equality Court, where the inquiry will proceed tomorrow, 6 October 2021 – 8 October 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 court has also admitted Media Monitoring Africa as an amicus curiae in this matter.

As per the SAHRC’s argument, which will be presented in court, the SAHRC condemns any form of harassment against women, and in particular in this matter black women, as it contradicts the aims of the Equality Act, 2000. The SAHRC is further confident that the court will send a strong message against anonymous social media users who attempt to abuse these platforms to the detriment of social cohesion and nation building.

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.