The Commission, on the other hand, continues to observe that discrimination, in particular race-based discrimination, presents one of the greatest challenges to the country and features as an important area in the work of the Commission. The Commission also note that discrimination is about social exclusion, reinforcing perceptions of inferiority or difference. It may be about the perception of human traits of what people are thought to be or represent, rather than who they are. It is mainly founded on misperception, prejudice, and stereotypes.
The Commission further note with concerns the rise in hate speech, often masked under the pretence of freedom of expression. The increase in social media usage in the country has also brought about challenges of regulating expression that is hateful and harmful. The anonymity and broadcasting ability provided by the social media has created a platform for people who wish to propagate hate speech.
To promote equality and prevent unfair discrimination, the State promulgated the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act No. 4 of 2000 (Equality Act). The Act is also meant to prevent and prohibit hate speech. In recent times, a new bill has been proposed, the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (the Hate Speech Bill). The Hate Speech Bill purports to criminalise hate speech.
The Commission is concerned that so many years since the dawn of democracy, inequalities, various forms of discrimination and hate speech still persist. Against this background, the Northern Cape Provincial Office will be conducting a Stakeholder Engagement on Equality, Discrimination and Hate Speech scheduled to take place as follows:
|
Dates |
Municipal Area |
Town |
|
Monday, 28 November 2022 |
Sol Plaatje Local Municipality |
Kimberley |
|
Tuesday, 29 November 2022 |
Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality |
Kuruman |
|
Wednesday, 30 November 2022 |
Gamagara Local Municipality |
Kathu |
|
Thursday, 01 December 2022 |
Tsantsabane Local Municipality |
Postmasburg |
|
Friday, 02 December 2022 |
Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality |
Upington |
The purpose of the stakeholder engagement is:
- to promote respect for human rights;
- to advance the right to equality;
- to encourage inclusion and promote diversity;
- to help reduce and eliminate biases, discrimination and hate speech, as well as
- to promote the Social Harmony National Effort (SHiNE) Initiative.
The following key institutions will join the stakeholder engagement:
- The Commission for Gender Equality;
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development;
- National Prosecuting Authority, and
- South African Police Services.
Ends
Prepared by the Northern Cape Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission.
For further information contact Mr. Anthony Wyngaard, Acting Provincial Manager, at Tel: 054 332 3993 / Cell: 074 134 6972; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Buyisile July, Advocacy and Research Consultant at Tel: 054 332 3993 / Cell: 072 949 7578 ; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.