The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Anti-Racism Network South Africa unveiled an app which aims to help fight racism in communities and the country at large.
The Zimele Racism Reporting App (Zirra) was unveiled at Constitution Hill on 19 March, in the middle of anti-racism week which is held each year from 14 to 21 March – Human Rights Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination).
The Anti-Racism Network’s coordinator Busisiwe Nkosi, spoke about the new app and explained that it was piloted last year but has since been improved and now has the support of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The Zimele (which means stand up) Racism Reporting App encourages users to report any racist incident which occurred either to them or another person, quickly and easily.

Matlhodi Angelina Makwetla, commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission responsible for Children’s Rights. Photo: Masego Seemela
Nkosi explained that the app allows users to select their race, the type of incident which occurred, who it has been reported to and if it hasn’t been reported, what the reasons are. The app also has a feature which allows photos and videos to be uploaded.

The cases then go through to the foundation for assessment. “Depending on the case, we will then decide where the case will go, between the foundation itself doing something or the Human Rights Commission or if mediation is required by the police or equality court.”
According to Nkosi, the benefits of the app are that it is user-friendly, it doesn’t take long to report the case and it also provides an option to report a case on behalf of someone else.

Head of communication at Human Right Commission, Gail Smith tackles the topic of inequality in society. Photo: Masego Seemela
“The SAHRC has agreed to provide the necessary assistance to victims of racism who register their complaints via the app. Over and above using technology to tackle racism, this year’s anti-racism week continues to place focus on schools. We want pupils to educate, mobilise and act against racism.”
Head of communication at the Human Right Commission, Gail Smith said, “For as long as inequality exists in the country, there will always be racial discrimination in the country. A person’s gender, identity and background plays a major role in society and may lead to racial discrimination. The app will combat the tension we have in the country.”
There will also be a series of dialogues during the week in various parts of the country with special attention given to issues related to race, identity and transformation.
The app is free and can be downloaded on the Google Play store and the Apple App Store.

Source: Kathorus Mail