The Commission confirms that it has received complaints from the United Democratic Movement and from members of the public. The Commission has noted views expressed on social media, raising concerns about Mr Broos's utterances. The Commission confirms that it is assessing the complaint and the matter in line with the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013, read with section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000. The Commission will update members of the public in due course.

The Commission wishes to remind members of the public that the right to freedom of expression is not absolute. Hate speech is prohibited in terms of the Equality Act and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, 2023. 

In this regard, the Commission acknowledges that the South African Football Association, in March this year, as part of Human Rights Month, assisted the Commission in communicating messages of anti-racism and promoting a culture of human rights.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION